The US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the suspension of approvals for ‘State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans’ under the ‘National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program’, effectively freezing related funding until further notice.
In a memo issued on 6 February 2025, FHWA stated that all prior NEVI Formula Program guidance has been rescinded, with new guidance to be developed in alignment with updated federal policy objectives.
The suspension means that no new obligations of NEVI funds can take place until the revised guidance is finalised and states submit and secure approval for new plans.
However, reimbursement for existing commitments will continue to ensure ongoing projects are not disrupted.
The NEVI Formula Program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), requires US states to submit plans detailing how they intend to deploy EV charging infrastructure before funds can be allocated.
The initiative has been instrumental in expanding the US charging network, but the FHWA’s decision signals a policy shift under the current USDOT leadership.
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The FHWA aims to publish draft guidance for public comment in the spring, followed by a final version after the comment period closes.
The updated guidance is expected to reflect the principles outlined in DOT Order 2100.7, which emphasises economic analysis in transportation policies.
Emily Biondi, associate administrator for the FHWA’s Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty, stated in the memo that US states “will be held harmless for not implementing their existing plans” during the suspension.
US state transportation agencies will receive instructions on submitting new plans once the final guidance is issued.
In the meantime, the temporary freeze could impact efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide, potentially affecting deployment timelines and private sector investments linked to the programme.
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