Overview of the NEVI EV Grant Program
Introduction: Building the Backbone of America’s EV Future
In 2024, the United States found itself at a critical juncture in its transition to clean transportation. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption was accelerating, driven by consumer demand, automaker commitments, and climate imperatives. Yet one persistent barrier remained: the availability of reliable, high-speed charging infrastructure across the nation. To address this challenge, the federal government launched the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula grant program—an ambitious, multi-billion-dollar initiative designed to build a coast-to-coast network of EV chargers along key transportation corridors.
Administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation, NEVI was born out of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. By 2024, it had become the centerpiece of federal efforts to ensure that EV drivers could travel long distances with confidence, knowing that fast, accessible charging stations were never far away.
Program Overview: What NEVI Is and Why It Matters
The NEVI program was designed to support the deployment of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs)—major highways and interstates that serve as the backbone of national travel. The goal was to create a national charging network that was reliable, interoperable, and accessible to all drivers, regardless of vehicle brand or charging provider.
Unlike discretionary grant programs, NEVI operated as a formula-based funding program, meaning each state received a predetermined allocation based on factors such as population, highway mileage, and existing infrastructure. States were responsible for developing State EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans, which outlined how they would use NEVI funds to build out their charging networks.
By 2024, all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, had submitted and received approval for their initial plans. The program emphasized equity, reliability, and resilience, ensuring that chargers were not only placed in high-traffic areas but also in rural, underserved, and disadvantaged communities.
Funding Level: Billions in Federal Investment
The NEVI program was backed by a $5 billion federal investment spread over five years, from fiscal year 2022 through 2026. Each state received annual allotments, with funding levels ranging from $5 million to over $100 million, depending on size and transportation needs.
In addition to the formula funding, the FHWA announced a $2.5 billion discretionary grant program in 2023, which complemented NEVI by supporting community-based charging and alternative fuel infrastructure. This included two sub-programs:
The Corridor Charging Grant Program, focused on filling gaps along AFCs.
The Community Charging Grant Program, aimed at deploying chargers in urban, suburban, and rural communities not served by corridor infrastructure.
Together, these programs represented the largest federal investment in EV infrastructure in U.S. history.
Eligibility: Who Could Apply and Participate
Under NEVI, state departments of transportation (DOTs) were the primary recipients of formula funding. However, they could partner with a wide range of entities to implement their plans, including:
Local governments and municipalities
Utility companies
Private charging network operators
Tribal governments
Nonprofits and community organizations
To be eligible, projects had to meet specific criteria set by FHWA. Chargers had to be:
Located within one mile of a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor
Spaced no more than 50 miles apart along the corridor
Capable of delivering at least 150 kW per port, with a minimum of four ports per site
Accessible to the public 24/7
Equipped with standard connectors (e.g., CCS) and universal payment systems
States were encouraged to prioritize locations that addressed equity gaps, such as rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, and tribal lands. Workforce development and local economic benefits were also considered in project selection.
Restrictions and Requirements: Guardrails for Success
While NEVI offered generous funding, it came with a set of strict requirements to ensure consistency and reliability across the national network. These included:
Buy America provisions: Equipment and construction materials had to meet domestic sourcing requirements, although waivers were available in limited cases.
Uptime standards: Chargers were required to maintain 97% operational uptime, ensuring that drivers could depend on them.
Interoperability: Stations had to support roaming and be compatible with multiple EV brands and charging networks.
Data reporting: Operators were required to share usage, performance, and maintenance data with state and federal agencies.
Cybersecurity protocols: Systems had to be protected against digital threats, with secure communication and payment platforms.
Importantly, NEVI funds could not be used to incentivize vehicle purchases, nor could they be used for Level 2 chargers unless part of a broader fast-charging deployment. The focus was squarely on DC fast charging for long-distance travel.
Sample Sites and Early Deployments: Charging the Map
By 2024, NEVI-funded stations had begun to appear across the country, transforming the EV travel experience. In California, the state’s plan prioritized high-traffic corridors like I-5, I-10, and US-101, with early deployments in Central Valley and Inland Empire communities. These sites were chosen for their strategic location and their potential to serve both urban commuters and long-haul travelers.
In Texas, NEVI funds supported installations along I-35 and I-10, with a focus on connecting major cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. The state partnered with private operators to ensure rapid deployment and long-term maintenance.
Michigan used NEVI funding to expand its “Lake Michigan EV Circuit,” a scenic route designed to attract tourism while supporting clean transportation. Stations were placed near state parks, small towns, and cultural landmarks.
Other notable deployments included:
Arizona: Chargers along I-40 and I-17, serving both Phoenix and Flagstaff
New York: Installations in the Adirondacks and Catskills to support rural access
Florida: Coastal corridor buildouts to support hurricane evacuation routes
These sample sites reflected the diversity of NEVI’s impact—from urban hubs to remote highways—and demonstrated the program’s potential to reshape the national charging landscape.
Timeline: From Planning to Plug-In
The NEVI program followed a structured timeline, beginning with the release of federal guidance in early 2022. States submitted their initial deployment plans by August 2022, and FHWA approved them later that year. Funding began flowing in 2023, with most states issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and beginning site selection.
By 2024, the first wave of NEVI-funded stations was operational, with hundreds more in various stages of permitting, construction, or procurement. The program was designed to scale rapidly, with annual funding tranches and performance benchmarks to ensure progress.
Looking ahead, the final year of formula funding—2026—was expected to focus on network densification, filling remaining gaps and upgrading early installations. FHWA planned to conduct periodic reviews and publish public dashboards to track deployment metrics, usage rates, and equity outcomes.
Conclusion: A National Network Takes Shape
The NEVI EV grant program represented a bold step toward a cleaner, more connected transportation future. By investing in high-speed charging infrastructure along America’s highways, the federal government laid the foundation for widespread EV adoption and long-distance travel.
In 2024, NEVI was more than a funding program—it was a symbol of national commitment to climate action, energy independence, and technological innovation. As states continued to build out their networks, the vision of a seamless, reliable, and equitable EV charging experience was becoming a reality.
For drivers, communities, and the planet, NEVI was charging ahead—and the road ahead looked electric.
