The push for electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, and the federal government is investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to support this transition. From charging stations for cars along major highways to curbside charging for e-bikes in urban areas, a significant amount of funding is being directed towards building a comprehensive and accessible EV charging network. This article will delve into the various programs and initiatives that are fueling the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the United States.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: A Catalyst for Change
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed into law in November 2021, is a landmark piece of legislation that includes substantial funding for EV charging infrastructure. This law recognizes the critical role that accessible charging plays in the widespread adoption of EVs and allocates billions of dollars to support its development. The BIL’s investments are intended to not only build out charging infrastructure but also to stimulate the domestic manufacturing of batteries, vehicles, and related technologies, creating jobs and supporting American industries.
Key Programs Under the BIL
Several key programs have been established under the BIL to distribute funding for EV charging:
- National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program: This program is allocating \$5 billion over five years (Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026) to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure. The focus is on building an interconnected national network that facilitates data collection, access, and reliability. Initially, funding is directed towards designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) to establish fast chargers every 50 miles and within one mile of these corridors. Once a state’s AFC network is complete, funding can be used on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations. The program covers up to 80% of eligible project costs, including the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of EV chargers, as well as long-term data sharing.
- Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program: This program provides \$2.5 billion in discretionary grants for EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure. The program has two tracks:
- Community Charging and Fueling Grants: Focuses on installing EV charging and alternative fuel infrastructure in locations such as public roads, schools, parks, and publicly accessible parking facilities. Priority is given to projects in rural areas, low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, and communities with limited private parking or a high ratio of multi-unit dwellings.
- Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants: Supports the deployment of EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
Both the NEVI and CFI programs aim to deploy a network of convenient, reliable Level 2 and DC fast EV chargers across the country.
The Role of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to facilitate collaboration between the two departments. This office is essential for coordinating the implementation of the BIL’s transportation-related provisions. The Joint Office provides support and expertise to stakeholders and programs that seek to deploy a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. It plays a crucial role in helping states and other entities plan, coordinate, and implement EV charging infrastructure projects.
The Joint Office provides technical assistance, guidance, and resources, particularly in the following areas:
- Building capacity for electric vehicles.
- Planning for charging infrastructure.
- Implementing approved state plans.
- Deploying electric school and transit buses.
Recent Funding Announcements
In January 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced \$635 million in grants to further expand EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure. This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is distributed through the CFI Discretionary Grant Program and a set-aside from the NEVI Formula Program. The grants will fund 49 projects across 27 states, four Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia, deploying over 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure.
Of this \$635 million investment:
- \$368 million is allocated for 42 “community” projects, expanding EV charging within communities.
- \$268 million is allocated for seven “corridor” projects, building out the national charging network along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
These investments are consistent with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy and highlight the dual focus on both community-based and highway corridor charging solutions.
Expanding Charging Access Beyond Cars
While much of the focus is on EV charging for cars, there is also a growing need for charging infrastructure for other forms of electric mobility. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has awarded \$43.7 million in grants to 25 projects as part of the Communities Taking Charge Accelerator program. This initiative aims to grow at-home charging options for cars, bikes, and other mobility devices, as well as expand electrified fleets.
Several projects are exploring innovative approaches:
- Curbside Charging Pilots: Projects are underway to explore the feasibility of installing EV and micromobility charging in public right-of-way areas, such as curbsides. This is especially important in urban areas where residents may not have access to home charging. For example, the San Francisco Environment Department is developing a pilot program to install charging at up to 44 curbside sites. These hubs are intended to support owners of e-bikes, EVs, and other devices who lack home charging options.
- Community-Based Charging: Grants are available for projects that expand community e-mobility access, including addressing the issue of no-home charging, electrifying light- and medium-duty fleets, and developing managed charging programs.
Minimum Standards and Requirements
To ensure reliability and interoperability, the federal government has established minimum standards for all EV chargers funded through certain federal programs. These standards, which are also part of the NEVI and CFI programs, require fast charging stations to support the widely used Combined Charging System. The standards also mandate that chargers are non-proprietary, allow for open-access payment methods, are publicly available or accessible to authorized commercial motor vehicle operators, and are located along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. These guidelines are meant to provide a seamless and reliable charging experience for all EV users.
Progress and Challenges
While substantial progress has been made in securing funding and establishing programs, there have been some challenges. The ambitious goal of building 500,000 public chargers by 2030 requires sustained effort and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
According to the Department of Energy, there are currently around 200,000 publicly available chargers nationwide, including 41,000 fast chargers. While the number of chargers has more than doubled since the start of the Biden Administration in 2021, the pace of deployment needs to increase to meet future demands.
The first NEVI Program-funded station opened in December 2023 in Ohio, and many states are poised to bring NEVI charging stations online in the coming months. However, there are areas that require improvement. Some states have been slow in soliciting project applications for NEVI funds, despite having had their state plans approved. Additionally, there is a need for states to learn from early projects and take best practices to accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
Despite some positive progress, recent developments have put the future of federal EV charging funding in doubt. As of January 22, 2025, there has been an announcement pausing the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes funds for EV charging stations made available through the NEVI Formula Program and the CFI Grant Program. This development could have a significant impact on the future of the EV charging infrastructure projects and programs in the United States.
Looking ahead, continued investment and strategic implementation are vital for building the robust and accessible charging infrastructure needed to support the transition to electric vehicles. Private sector investment, incentivized by tax credits and government programs, will be a key part of the process. By addressing the challenges and building on the successes of current programs, the United States can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
Conclusion
The federal government’s commitment to expanding EV charging infrastructure is evident in the numerous funding programs and initiatives established in recent years. From the NEVI Formula Program that targets highway corridors to the CFI Grant Program that supports community-based charging and the recently funded projects for curbside charging, the focus is on building a comprehensive and accessible network for all EV users. While there have been challenges and new developments that may impact the availability of funding, the effort to expand EV charging is essential to support the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
