Today, the Biden Administration announced the next steps in its plan in delivering 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the U.S. by 2030. The next steps are publishing minimum standards for federally funded EV infrastructure, finalizing the Build America, Buy America implementation plan for EV charging equipment, and announcing that cities, towns, Tribes, and states will soon be able to apply for the first round of $2.5 billion in competitive grants to build EV charging stations.
“This is a major step toward a world where every EV user will be able to find safe, reliable charging stations anywhere in the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We’re establishing common, universal standards for EV charging stations just like the ones for gas stations, so that recharging an EV away from home will be as predictable and accessible as filling up a gas tank.”
The final minimum standards for federally funded EV charging infrastructure projects, and the implementation plan for President Biden’s EV charging Build America, Buy America requirements positions America with every tool needed to receive funding and build EV charging stations.
“The national standards we are announcing today will give EV users confidence that they will be able to find available, safe and reliable EV charging stations across the country,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “This is a critical step in building a seamless national network with common requirements for EV charging that will support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, help build a clean energy, and ensure those technologies and products are made here in America. We look forward to opening applications for community-based charging grants soon.”
The new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program established by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a full range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and Tribes. The round of funding will open soon.
“The Joint Office in its first year has worked closely with DOT, FHWA, and DOE, as well as states, communities, and stakeholders across the country to make sure that the Biden Administration’s goal to build a network of 500,000 chargers is reliable, equitable, and frictionless for the public to use,” said Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein. “We will continue to support the NEVI Formula Program, while also working to support the successful implementation of the $2.5 billion CFI Grant Program, the $5 billion EPA Clean School Bus Program, and the $5.6 billion FTA Low No Vehicle Program so we can create a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.”
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Source: USDOT
