Electric vehicle charging network is off and running
In a step towards making electric vehicles (EV) the norm, nearly $5 billion in initial funding has been made available to start building America’s first nationwide EV charging network.
The program helps states create a network of charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors, particularly along the interstate highway system.
By the numbers: Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program, the total amount available to states is $615 million, however, states must submit an EV infrastructure deployment plan before they can access capital.
Georgia will receive a little more than $19 million in NEVI in funding for FY 22 – plus, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath recently announced that more than $134 million will be made available over the next five years.
EV infrastructure deployment plans must describe how each state intends to use its share of NEVI funds consistent with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance because plans are expected to build on alternative fuel corridors that nearly every state has designated over the past six years.
The new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will play a key role in implementing the NEVI program by providing direct technical assistance and support to help states develop their plans before they are reviewed and approved by FHWA.
A second, competitive grant program designed to further increase EV charging access in locations throughout the country, including in rural and underserved communities, will be announced later this year.