Electric Car Charging Stations Are Coming to the Mass Pike

P hoto via iStock.com/Predrag Vuckovic

Electric cars cruising down the Mass Pike will soon be able to stop for a charge.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Tuesday it is installing electric vehicle charging stations at six service plazas on the turnpike.

The 50-kilowatt stations are fast-charging. A MassDOT spokeswoman told the Boston Herald vehicles can charge to about 80 percent power in 10 minutes and to 100 percent power in 20 minutes.

Stations at the westbound Framingham and eastbound Natick plazas will be able to power up drivers by early fall. Stations at the eastbound and westbound Charlton plazas will be installed by late fall, and ones at the westbound Blandford plaza and either the eastbound Blandford plaza or eastbound Lee plaza should be operational by the end of the year, reports the Associated Press.

Electric cars will plug in beside the air-filling stations near the convenience stores at each plaza, according to the Herald.

Each charging station's equipment costs an estimated $30,000. The Herald reports MassDOT is also considering adding charging stations for hydrogen-powered cars.

Source: Electric Car Charging Stations Are Coming to the Mass Pike