In a major stride towards enhancing the United States’ electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced the allocation of nearly $150 million in grants. This funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, is aimed at upgrading approximately 4,500 public EV chargers across 20 states.
The grants are specifically designed to refurbish or replace existing EV charging ports, some of which will be upgraded to current standards. This initiative underscores the Administration’s commitment to building a comprehensive and reliable national EV charging network, supporting jobs in installation, maintenance, and repair of EV infrastructure.
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of accessible EV charging infrastructure, stating, “The EV revolution is here. To make the most of it we must ensure that everyone, from the largest cities to the most rural communities, has access to reliable EV charging infrastructure.” He views these grants as pivotal in realizing a nationwide EV charging network that aligns with the ongoing EV transition.
Echoing this sentiment, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the role of these investments in powering America’s clean transportation future, ensuring a convenient and reliable experience at public EV charging stations.
The funds are sourced from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It includes a set-aside for states or localities needing extra assistance in strategically deploying charging infrastructure.
This round of funding focuses on improving the reliability and accessibility of the existing network, complementing larger investments aimed at constructing new charging stations. Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation Polly Trottenberg and Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt both stressed the importance of a reliable, interconnected, and user-friendly national EV charging network.
Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office, underscored the necessity of dependable charging stations for boosting EV adoption, stating, “Making it easy for everyone to ride and drive electric means making sure that drivers can always count on EV charging stations to work when they’re needed.”
This announcement is a continuation of the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive approach to EV infrastructure development, which includes significant investments and regulatory actions to foster EV adoption and manufacturing in the United States.
For more details on grant recipients and the EV Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program, visit the FHWA website. The Administration’s ongoing efforts reflect a significant push towards a sustainable, electrified future in American transportation.
