February 2022, The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy created a Joint Office and announced to provide nearly $5 billion over the next five years to help states to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, an important step towards making electric vehicle (EV) charging accessible to all Americans; funds made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Apportionment of Funds:
A total of $5 billion for the NEVI Formula Program is appropriated over the period of fiscal years 2022 - 2026. For the FY22 only, the BIL sets aside up to $300 million for the DOE and DOT to establish the Joint Office, launching their new joint website DriveElectric.gov,
Initially, the funding under this Program is directed to designated Alternative Fuel Corridors for electric vehicles to build out this national network, particularly along the Interstate Highway System. These corridors will be the spine of the new national EV charging network. The Joint Office will play a key role in the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program 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. Then, once the National network is "fully built out", the funding may be used on any public road or any other public locations. For each year, the BIL sets aside 10% of EV Formula funding for grants for States and local governments who require additional assistance to strategically deploy the EV charging infrastructure. Also, for this year $15 million are allocated for FHWA Operations & Administration, therefore the available funding amount for states under the NEVI Program this year is $615 million.
Projects Requirements
Any EV charging infrastructure, either acquired or installed with NEVI Program funds, must be located along a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor, states should prioritize the projects along the Interstate Highway System. States, may also use NEVI funds elsewhere on designated corridors, along National Highway System, as needed, to ensure a reliable, convenient and affordable national EV charging network.
"Fully Built Out" criteria for the States:
- EV charging infrastructure is installed every 50 miles along the State's portion of Interstate Highway System within 1 mile travel of the interstate.
- EV charging infrastructure includes at least 4 - 150kW Fast Chargers with Combined Charging System (CCS) ports capable of simultaneously charging 4 EVs.
- EV charging Infrastructure has minimum station power capability at or above 600kW
Eligibility:
Even though, the NEVI Program funds are directed toward States only, the Program allows funds to be used to contract with private entities to acquire and install publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and permits private entities to pay the non-Federal share of a project funded under the NEVI Formula program.
Deadlines to consider:
August 1, 2022 - Each State is required to develop a Plan and submit it to the Joint Office. States should work directly with the Joint Office during the Plan Development. The joint Office will provide Technical assistance to help ensure that State Plans comply with Program's Requirements and Guidelines.
By September 30, 2022 - FHWA will review with the Joint Office the Plans and will notify each State on the approval of their implementation Plan and obligation.