The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has reinstated the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme, which had been suspended in February pending a review of funding and implementation policies.
Created under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, NEVI requires states to submit EV charging plans to access federal funds for charging stations. The revised guidance, issued on 11 August, streamlines the application process by cutting back on planning requirements and giving states more flexibility on the spacing of charging stations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the updated framework would “slash red tape and make it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure.” Supporters, including the Electrification Coalition and Zero Emission Transportation Association, welcomed the changes, citing greater regulatory certainty and the potential to accelerate EV charging rollouts.
The Sierra Club criticised the delay, arguing that the freeze and revised rules had stalled progress and left billions of dollars in funds withheld. While a court ruling in June freed up about $1 billion, the group said funding remains blocked for more than 30 states and territories.
The Biden administration originally designed NEVI to reduce range anxiety and support its 2030 target for half of new U.S. car sales to be electric.
