Trump Administration Restarts Funding for National High-Speed EV Charger Program, Removes Some Biden Requirements
The Trump administration has resumed funding for a federal program aimed at installing high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along U.S. highways, following a six-month freeze and legal disputes with several states.
President Trump had previously criticized the multibillion-dollar National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program as wasteful, despite it being established through a bipartisan congressional act in 2021, which remains in effect.
The Department of Transportation had initially frozen funds back in February, with no clear indication of when funding would be restored. A coalition of more than a dozen states subsequently filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that the administration was breaching the law and defying Congress’ intent. A preliminary injunction was granted in favor of the states by a federal judge.
Now, the DOT has initiated steps to unlock the frozen funds through the release of new guidelines intended to facilitate the resumption of funding. However, several Biden-era requirements have been removed from these guidelines.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that while he disagrees with subsidizing green energy, he will abide by Congress’ wishes and ensure efficient use of federal resources within the NEVI program. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is leading the states’ lawsuit against the funding freeze, welcomed the administration’s decision to restart the program but emphasized that the legal challenge would continue.
The NEVI program set aside $5 billion for high-speed EV charging infrastructure along highway corridors, designed to cater to long-distance EV drivers. In order to access funds, states were required to submit plans detailing where and how they would install chargers. Upon approval, each state’s department of transportation would work with companies to set up chargers, with subsequent reimbursement from the federal government.
More than two years after the law’s passage, the first chargers became accessible to the public. As of August 16, over 4,000 charging ports have been funded, but only 382 are operational according to data from the EV States Clearinghouse project. The slow rollout has been criticized by both opponents and supporters of the NEVI program due to its sluggish progress.
The new guidelines issued by the Trump administration eliminate several requirements introduced under Biden. States will no longer need to engage with rural or underserved communities when planning charger locations, nor direct benefits towards disadvantaged communities or demonstrate consideration for labor and safety standards or opportunities for minority-owned businesses. They also won’t be required to address evacuations, snow removal, or extreme weather in their plans.
Charging stations will no longer need to be less than 50 miles apart, nor situated within a mile of a freeway, allowing states greater flexibility in choosing charger locations. While the DOT did not respond to interview requests, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that this new guidance would expedite the process.
EV advocates and charging companies have generally welcomed the changes, with some expressing appreciation for the reduced red tape and potential creation of jobs. However, the delay caused by these changes has frustrated both supporters and critics of the NEVI program. Some requirements have also been removed after states had already completed the necessary work, meaning that the new guidelines may not result in actual time or effort savings.