The federal government today opened applications for a new multi-billion-dollar program to fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways.

This is a key step towards the President Biden’s goals of building a national network of 500,000 public EV charging stations.

Federal EV Charging Station Incentives

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and Tribes. 

The first round of funding – $700 million for 2022 and 2023 funding to deploy EV charging stations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).

The CFI Discretionary Grant Program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, for which FHWA published finalized minimum standards earlier this month.

EV chargers constructed with CFI funds must adhere to those same standards, a requirement that supports a consistent charging experience for users and ensures that our national charging network is convenient, reliable and Made in America.

NEVI EV Charging Incentives

While the NEVI Formula Program sends money to States, Puerto Rico, and DC to build EV charging infrastructure along designated Interstates, U.S. routes, and State highways, the CFI Discretionary Grant Program awards competitive grants to projects serving a range of applicants to fill gaps in the national charging and alternative-fueling network and build out charging in communities. 

A priority of the CFI Program is bringing EV charging into urban and rural communities, downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities, as well as to designated alternative fuel corridors.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law divides the CFI Program into two distinct grant funding categories, and requires that 50% of the funding over five years is made available for each:

The Community Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, and hydrogen, propane, or natural gas fueling infrastructure in communities. Infrastructure may be located on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations such as parking facilities at public buildings, public schools, and public parks, or in publicly accessible parking facilities owned or managed by a private entity.

The Corridor Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs).

Eligible applicants and projects for both categories are outlined in a Notice of Funding Opportunity published today. Applications are due by May 30, 2023.

FHWA seeks to fund projects that address environmental justice, particularly for communities such as rural and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods that may disproportionately experience the consequences of climate change and other pollutants.

In September 2022, FHWA approved all 52 EV charging plans from States, Puerto Rico, and DC – unlocking approximately $1.5 billion in FY22 and FY23 funding that can be used to implement those plans.

The feds are also looking into funding opportunities for “Ride and Drive” programs and workforce development programs.

NEVI EV Charging Station Incentive Resources:

  • Information on upcoming webinars can be viewed here.
    • Tentatively scheduled for March and April
  • Visit DriveElectric.gov to access technical assistance from the Joint Office.
    • The Joint Office, through the new JUST Lab Consortium, will convene three U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, to help identify practical approaches to integrate equity into federally-funded EV infrastructure deployment efforts, like projects awarded under the CFI Program—spanning deployment planning, implementation pathways, and policy design. 
  • For more information on President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and investments in electric vehicles, please visit FHWA’s BIL web site.