The U.S. Department of Transportation will release guidance for its electric vehicle charging infrastructure network early next year, part of a White House plan to fast track one of the most high-profile programs in the new infrastructure act.
The DOT will release guidance by Feb. 11 for states, local governments and other public entities that will want to tap into the $7.5 billion program. The DOT by early May will release its standards for safe, reliable chargers.
The EVC program is one of the most closely watched investments in the IIJA and a top priority for the Biden Administration. The White House Monday released a five-page
The new law provides $7.5 billion in formula and discretionary grants to states and local governments to build out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations. That includes $5 billion in formula grants for states and $2.5 billion in competitive grants for EVC infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors or in other locations.
The DOT’s Federal Highway Administration on Nov. 28 posted a request for information for the development of guidance for the EVC program. About 40 commenters have responded so far, including a group of 15 automakers that urged the DOT to require states to invest in high-powered chargers, as opposed to less expensive, slower-charging ones, in a Dec. 8
“Prioritizing ultra-fast, reliable charging infrastructure will ensure that the National Electric Vehicle Formula Program results in modern and future-proofed charging infrastructure, and we respectfully encourage you to establish ultra-fast charging as a priority in the program guidance," the letter said.
Vice President Kamala Harris Monday held a press conference in Maryland announcing the plan. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg is expected to meet Tuesday with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to sign an agreement for the creation of a joint office that will be a “one-stop shop” for states and local governments, the White House said. The two departments will also launch a new Advisory Committee on Electric Vehicles.
“The auto industry is clearly moving toward electric,” Harris said Monday. “We need to make the shift faster and make sure it is driven by the United States. That means manufacturing millions of electric cars, trucks and buses right here in our country. That means outfitting 1000s of EVs, electric vehicles. And it means installing a national network of EV chargers."
The administration has said it wants electric vehicles to account for 50% of all vehicle sales by 2030. Currently, electric vehicles account for about 2.6% of U.S. vehicle sales.
