The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the allocation of approximately $150 million in grants to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These funds are earmarked for the renovation of nearly 4,500 existing EV charging ports and will be distributed among 24 grant recipients across 22 states.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg elaborated on the impact of these grants, stating, "Let's talk about what this means: 7,500 new EV charging ports nationwide in 22 states and Puerto Rico. These grants focus on urban and rural communities — and more than 70% of grant dollars are going to underserved communities."

A news release from DOT further explained that the $150 million investment will supplement the billions of dollars that both private sector entities and the federal government have already committed towards establishing a national EV charging network. This investment also supports well-paying jobs associated with maintaining, repairing, and installing EV infrastructure.

Buttigieg added, "The EV revolution is here. To make the most of it we must ensure that everyone, from the largest cities to the most rural communities, has access to reliable EV charging infrastructure. These grants bring us another step closer to a national EV charging network that keeps up with the EV transition that’s well underway."

This announcement aligns with the Biden administration’s goal to have 500,000 public EV chargers operational by 2030 as stated in the release. In addition, a new $5 billion program known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program has been launched. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), supported by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, will oversee assisting states in expanding their respective EV charging programs.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm expressed her support for these initiatives saying, "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is building an EV charging infrastructure that can power our clean transportation future. These investments will ensure that Americans have a convenient and reliable experience when they charge their vehicles at public stations."