Biden Admin Announces $5 Billion To Fund Nationwide Electric Vehicle Charging Network

The White House on Thursday announced $5 billion in funding that will be allocated for states to build out a national electric vehicle charging network.

The goal of the funding, made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed jointly by the Energy and Transportation Departments, is to promote the use of electric vehicles and boost the nascent industry.

“A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”   

Ultimately, $5 billion in funding will be made available to states over the next five years under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, beginning with $615 million in fiscal 2022. However, to receive potential funds, states must submit an electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plan. Those plans outline a state’s intent to use funds under Federal Highway Administration guidance.

The administration is particularly focused on the development of charging stations along the Interstate Highway System that connects cities to towns and rural areas, as well as Alternative Fuel Corridors. Those corridors, which most states have selected, will underpin the new electric vehicle charging network.

“We are modernizing America’s national highway system for drivers in cities large and small, towns and rural communities, to take advantage of the benefits of driving electric,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping states to make electric vehicle charging more accessible by building the necessary infrastructure for drivers across America to save money and go the distance, from coast-to-coast.”

The joint DOE/DOT office will play a major role in implementing the program and providing assistance to states as they formulate their plans. Those plans are reviewed and must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration.

“Americans need to know that they can purchase an electric vehicle and find convenient charging stations when they are using interstates and other major highways,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “The new EV formula program will provide states with the resources they need to provide their residents with reliable access to an EV charging station as they travel.”

The joint office also announced a new website—DriveElectric.gov—where Americans and state and local officials can access information regarding the charging station network.