The US Departments of Transportation and Energy have announced nearly US$5bn (£3.68bn) that will be made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula programme, to build out a national EV charging network.
The programme, established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide funding over five years to help states create a network of EV charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors, particularly along the interstate highway system.
The total amount available to states this year is US$615m (£453m), with states required to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan before they can access these funds. A second grant programme, designed to further increase EV charging access in locations throughout the country including in rural and underserved communities, will be announced later this year.
“A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labour, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”
These plans are expected to build on alternative fuel corridors that nearly every state has designated over the past six years of this programme. These corridors will be the spine of the new national EV charging network, the programme said.
Furthermore, the joint office will play a role in the implementation of the NEVI formula programme by providing direct technical assistance and support to help states develop their plans before they are reviewed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which administers the funding.
“We are modernising America’s national highway system for drivers in cities large and small, towns and rural communities, to take advantage of the benefits of driving electric,” said US secretary of energy, Jennifer M. Granholm.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping states to make electric vehicle charging more accessible by building the necessary infrastructure for drivers across America to save money and go the distance, from coast-to-coast.”
The new joint office of Energy and Transportation has also launched a new website – DriveElectric.gov. There, officials can find links to technical assistance, data and tools for states, and careers.
