The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced updated guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program aimed at accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide. The revised guidance was unveiled by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“If Congress is requiring the federal government to support charging stations, let’s cut the waste and do it right,” said Secretary Duffy in a recent press release. “Our revised NEVI guidance slashes red tape and makes it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure.”
The NEVI program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides formula funding to states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities. The updated guidance is designed to streamline the deployment process by clarifying requirements and providing additional flexibility to states.
Key elements of the revised guidance include simplified reporting requirements, enhanced flexibility for states in meeting infrastructure deployment goals, and adjustments intended to improve coordination among stakeholders. The revisions aim to ensure efficient use of federal funds and faster deployment of charging infrastructure to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
Secretary Duffy emphasized the importance of building a robust EV charging network to support sustainable transportation and meet evolving consumer needs. The Department encourages states to submit updated NEVI deployment plans reflecting the revised guidance to continue progress on expanding the national charging network.
According to the DOT, the changes include:
- Minimizes the content in state plans to statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Simplifies the state plan approval process.
- Aligns community engagement with regulatory requirements and reduces consultation requirements to advance projects.
- Provides states with flexibility to determine the appropriate distance between stations along alternative fuel corridors to allow for reasonable travel.
- Minimizes requirements for states to consider electric grid integration and renewable energy
- Accelerates project delivery by encouraging selection of charging locations where station owners are also the site host.
- Eliminates requirements for states to address consumer protections, emergency evacuation plans, environmental siting, resilience and terrain considerations.
- Provides states with more flexibility to determine when their system is built out allowing NEVI funds to be used on public roads statewide.
