U.S. States to Receive $5 Billion for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy on Feb. 10 announced funds of $5 billion to be made accessible via the new National Electric Vehicles Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, to develop a national electric vehicle charging network, an imperative step towards expanding access to EV charging infrastructure.

The program intends to provide the funding across a period of five years to help states create a system of EV charging stations along selected Alternative Fuel Corridors, particularly along the Interstate Highway System.  According to the NEVI Formula, the funding available to states in Fiscal Year 2022 is $615 million. Moreover, states must present an EV infrastructure deployment plan to the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation before they can retrieve these funds. As part of the deployment plan, each state will have to describe how it plans to use the program funds, ensuring it is in line with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance.

The plans outlined by the states are projected to build on the Alternative Fuels Corridors that the majority of the states have assigned over the past six years of this program. These corridors are expected to be the pillar of the new national EV charging network. Through its technical assistance, the Joint Transportation and Energy Office will perform a pivotal role in the execution of the NEVI Formula Program. Additionally, the office will provide additional support to states to help develop plans before they are assessed and certified by the FHWA.

Furthermore, a second competitive grant program is expected to be announced later this year, which is designed to further increase EV charging access in sites throughout the country, including in rural and underserved communities.

Meanwhile, the new Joint Office of Transportation and Energy has launched a new website, so that officials can access links to technical assistance and data. Moreover, the FHWA also released a request for nominations for states to expand their existing Alternative Fuels Corridors. Submissions are due by May 13.