Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure gets a boost from FHWA's NEVI Program

On February 28, 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program, which should boost public EV charging infrastructure. The NEVI program sets minimum standards for any federally funded construction of EV charging projects.

The law allocates $5 billion over five years for the NEVI program to be divided by all states and used annually through Fiscal Year 2026. A separate competitive grant program of $2.5 billion will also help meet the goal of 500,000 EV charging stations by 2030.

NEVI Formula funding is limited to use on projects that are directly related to the charging of a vehicle. Also, the funding is for use only on charging infrastructure open to the public or authorized commercial motor vehicle operators from more than one company.

The NEVI Formula Program aims to create "a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable network of chargers throughout the country."

Initially, funding is for designated Alternative Fuel Corridors for electric vehicles to build the national network along the Interstate Highways. When the national network is complete, funding will be available for other public charging projects.

Be aware that ATRI's December 2022 study, Charging Infrastructure Challenges for the U.S. Electrical Vehicle Fleet, found, along with increased parking issues, that:

• Electrification of all vehicles in the U.S. will take a significant increase in capacity. The country's current electricity generation capacity is only:
  • 14 percent for all freight trucks, and within this, 10.6 percent for long-haul trucks.
  • 26.3 percent for light-duty vehicles (passenger cars and trucks).
  • 40.3 percent for all vehicles.
• Individual states will require an increase of 28 to 63 percent of today's energy generation to meet vehicle travel needs.

Charging options will increase in the next few years. However, before transitioning to EVs, customers must ensure adequate charging and parking options are available when and where needed.