PA Turnpike Expands EV Charging Infrastructure for Customers
PA Turnpike Expands EV Charging Infrastructure for Customers
North Somerset and South Somerset Service Plaza additions make EV charging stations more accessible
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. — As part of its commitment to the evolving needs of its customers and its 30+ year commitment to sustainability, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) and Applegreen Electric have added new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the North Somerset (MP 112.3 westbound) and South Somerset (MP 112.3 eastbound) Service Plazas. Each site includes two high-speed chargers, capable of simultaneously charging two vehicles, with a total of four charging ports per location. This collaboration supports the launch of a systemwide EV charging program, providing customers with accessible, on-route EV charging options.
“The expansion of EV chargers along the PA Turnpike reflects our growth and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Beyond serving our customers, it also demonstrates our commitment to being a better neighbor across the Commonwealth. Supporting electric vehicle adoption is a key part of our broader goal to reduce our carbon footprint, build a sustainable and restorative roadway and support renewable energy and infrastructure development in Pennsylvania.”
The new, fast-charging stations at North and South Somerset Service Plazas each feature two units that can charge two vehicles at once, with speeds of up to 400kW. These stations deliver rapid charging in 30 minutes or less, and support both North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS). There is an opportunity for expansion to support additional electric vehicles, if utilization increases.
The PA Turnpike has been an early adopter of new technology to improve customer experience and convenience. The first EV charging station arrived on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in April 2014. Over the past decade, the PA Turnpike has installed over 60 EV charging stations at eight service plazas to support EV customers. Through a partnership with Applegreen Electric, 80 new universal EV stations will be added, ensuring all 17 service plazas have EV charging by 2027.
“We are pleased to offer our EV customers convenient access to the latest, fastest technology – without leaving the PA Turnpike,” said Director of Facilities Operations Keith Jack. “This latest initiative provides the necessary infrastructure to support EV customers on our roadway, strengthens infrastructure resiliency and prepares us for the endless possibilities of the future.”
The EV chargers at North Somerset and South Somerset, along with an EV charger at the Hickory Run Service Plaza scheduled to open this fall, were funded via grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Driving PA Forward program. The chargers at nine service plazas scheduled to open in 2027 are being funded through grants from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
“Applegreen Electric is proud to partner with the PA Turnpike to deliver high-speed, universal EV charging that meets the needs of all drivers,” said Applegreen Electric Chief Executive Eugene Moore. “By supporting both NACS and CCS standards, these stations ensure compatibility with all EV models on the road today. This investment not only enhances convenience for Pennsylvania drivers but also strengthens the Commonwealth’s leadership in sustainable transportation infrastructure. It also marks a key step in building a connected corridor with Pennsylvania as a vital part of the seamless network that now spans New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Delaware. With more to come soon in Ohio and Massachusetts, we’re accelerating the rollout of reliable, accessible EV infrastructure across the region.”
The service plazas that currently have Level II electric vehicle charging stations and/or Tesla Superchargers include: Oakmont Plum, New Stanton, North Somerset, South Somerset, Bowmansville, Peter J. Camiel, King of Prussia and Hickory Run.
The EV charging program is part of the PA Turnpike’s efforts to becoming America’s first sustainable superhighway by 2040. In 2021, a solar microgrid, with backup natural gas generator, was launched at the Greensburg Maintenance Building in Westmoreland County, and construction is currently underway to add another solar microgrid at the PA Turnpike’s Western Regional Office. The PA Turnpike aims to install microgrids across the system, at interchanges, service plazas and in its right of ways to reach its goal of energy independence by 2040.
The PA Turnpike is working on a stationary Inductive Charging Showcase at its Central Administration Building in Middletown. The pilot project will provide the PA Turnpike with the data and technical insight on wireless charging systems to better support customers’ needs. Long-range plans include installing inductive charging lanes along the Mon/Fayette Expressway in Allegheny County in the next decade.
For more than three decades, the PA Turnpike has made environmental stewardship and sustainability a top priority. It was the first and only state agency to achieve three consecutive 100% scores from the Commonwealth’s GreenGov Council. Its sustainability and stormwater management programs earned two IBTTA Toll Excellence Awards for Social Responsibility. To learn more about the PA Turnpike’s goal of becoming America’s First Sustainable Superhighway by 2040, please visit its website.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
Applegreen Electric operates EV charging networks in the United States, Ireland, and the UK. It has 1,500 charging ports today and growing with a $500 million investment planned in the years ahead to further expand its networks. Applegreen Electric is part of the wider Applegreen Group, which operates more than 430 travel plazas and gas filling stations, in Ireland, the US and the UK and has more than 700 branded food outlets. The Applegreen business currently employs about 16,000 people, including more than 7,000 associates in the United States. It had a turnover of almost €4 billion last year and serves about 180 million customers annually.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com