Funding for Charging Stations
Federal Funding Opportunities
The Federal administration is committed to improving EV charging infrastructure across the U.S.—making EV charging stations as commonplace and as easy to use as gas stations.
To that end, the government has allocated $7.5 billion EV charging to improve EV charging infrastructure ($5 billion going to states and $2.5 billion for communities and corridors through a competitive grant program). An additional $7 billion is allocated for the critical minerals supply chains necessary for batteries, components, materials, and recycling. The $7.5 billion for improving EV charging infrastructure is divided into two programs included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
State Funding Opportunities
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program will provide $5 billion in strategic funding to States to "build out 500,000 ultra-fast EV charging stations along highway corridors – filling gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations while instilling public confidence in charging."
NEVI funding allocated for each state:
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All NEVI-funded DC fast charge stations will have a minimum of four 150 kW combined Charging System (CCS) connectors and total station power of 600 kW.
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The stations will be located within 50 miles of each other along freeways and highways, and within 1 mile of exits
As expected, the funding comes with some strings attached:
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Each state is required to emphasize equity, with at least 40 percent of NEVI benefits going to disadvantaged, low income, rural and Tribal communities.
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States are required to develop and submit an EV infrastructure deployment plan that meets the guidance criteria set by the Joint Office.
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States must follow strict standards to ensure chargers function the in the same way from state to state and are easy to find, use, and purchase.
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States may own or lease the chargers themselves or may opt to contract with third-party owners to purchase, install and own the chargers.
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States must also establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and charging reliability.
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Funding is available for up to 80% of eligible project costs, including:
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The acquisition, installation, and network connection of EV charging stations to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability
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Proper operation and maintenance of EV charging stations
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Long-term EV charging station data sharing.
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Additional information on each state's specific incentives and rebates can is available on the Alternative Fuels Data Center website.
Promoting equity in
the public EV-charging system
To be successful, the charging infrastructure in the U.S. must serve a diverse population.
Current charger installations tend to be located in higher-income areas, following the location of early EV sales. Future charger installations must be planned for areas of all income levels to take ownership of EVs as practical as ownership of fuel-powered vehicles. To that end, the government has launched an EV Charging Action Plan that fast-tracks federal investments and targets equity benefits for disadvantaged communities.
