In an effort to make electric vehicle charging stations in the Interstate highway system more accessible, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Energy announced last week that $5 billion will be made available to build a national electric vehicle charging network.
According to a Feb. 10 release, the funds are through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program that was created through President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It was described as an “important step” in mailing electric vehicle charging accessible nationwide.
“A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The president’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”
According to the release, $615 million will be available for states in Fiscal Year 2022 under the NEVI Formula Program. It will provide the $5 billion over the course of five years to help states create EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Each state must submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment plan before accessing the funds. The plan will be submitted to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation describing how the state will use its share of the funds with Federal Highway Administration guidance.
The plans will build on Alternative Fuel Corridors that most of the country has designated over the past six years. The corridors are described as “the spine of the new national EV charging network."
“Americans need to know that they can purchase an electric vehicle and find convenient charging stations when they are using Interstates and other major highways,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “The new EV formula program will provide states with the resources they need to provide their residents with reliable access to an EV charging station as they travel.”
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation launched a website called DriveElectric.gov where officials can find technical assistance, data and tools for states and careers.
A new grant program for other EV charging locations in rural and underserved communities will be announced later this year.
