U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a major update to the federal electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure program, expanding the Buy America requirements for chargers funded with federal dollars. The proposal would raise the required domestic content from 55% to 100%, effectively mandating that all federally funded EV chargers be entirely made in the U.S. once finalized.
The announcement emphasized that implementing this provision will support American innovation, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and generate U.S. jobs as part of broader economic and national security goals. Under the proposed modification to the waiver, federally funded EV charging systems would not only need to be manufactured in the U.S., the components would have to be sourced domestically as well.
In his statement, Secretary Duffy criticized the prior administration’s approach to EV infrastructure, asserting that previous efforts “failed to deliver EV chargers and promote domestic manufacturing.” He said updated guidance already has reduced administrative barriers for states to build charging infrastructure and that the new Buy America expansion reflects a renewed focus on American industry.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster echoed Duffy’s remarks, highlighting the administration’s commitment to boosting the U.S. industrial base and strengthening critical supply chains. The FHWA’s proposal would modify the existing waiver of Buy America requirements specifically for EV chargers, updating the framework originally published in the Federal Register in 2023.
Officials argue that U.S. manufacturers now have the capacity to produce EV chargers domestically and that the revised requirement will offer a strong incentive for a rapid shift to U.S.-based production. Supporters of the change contend it will make U.S. businesses more competitive and reduce reliance on foreign components, while addressing potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by foreign-made technology.
The updated waiver proposal will take effect upon completion of the federal review process, meaning that states and contractors seeking federal funding for EV charging infrastructure could soon be required to comply with the 100% domestic content rule during both acquisition and installation.
The Department of Transportation’s announcement follows earlier revisions to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which Secretary Duffy unveiled last year to intend to expedite EV charger deployment across the country.
