Biden administration announces grant funding for EV charging infrastructure

As part of President Joe Biden’s announcement Wednesday about progress in the nation’s EV charging network, the Joint Office of Transportation and Energy announced that it would make $2.5 billion in grants available for EV charging development over the next five years.

The new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program will allow all applicants to vie for $700 million in grants from Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 to deploy EV charging infrastructure and other fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities, the office said. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the funding is open to cities, counties, local governments, Tribes, and other applicants for charging/fueling stations in publicly accessible locations, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Officials said that the grants will comply with plans set out in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

“The Joint Office, in its first year, has worked closely with DOT, FHWA, and DOE, as well as states, communities, and stakeholders across the country to make sure that the Biden Administration’s goal to build a network of 500,000 chargers is reliable, equitable, and frictionless for the public to use,” Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein said. “We will continue to support the NEVI Formula Program while also working to support the successful implementation of the $2.5 billion CFI Grant Program, the $5 billion EPA Clean School Bus Program, and the $5.6 billion FTA Low No Vehicle Program so we can create a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.”

The administration said the grant program was part of the President’s vision of building 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 and delivering a Made-in-American EV charging network. Those steps also include publishing minimum standards for federally funded EV infrastructure, and finalizing the Build America, Buy America implementation plan for EV charging equipment.

The administration said its minimum standards include provisions to ensure chargers operated by different networks operate similarly and provide the traveling public with predictable EV charging experiences. Additionally, the administration’s standards will require consistent plug types and charging speeds, common payment systems, and accessible pricing information, locations, and availability.

Additionally, the administration’s Build America, Buy America implementation plan will incentivize companies to invest in American-made EV charging components, which would create manufacturing jobs and help the U.S. cement its position as a leader in clean energy manufacturing, the administration said.

“Today’s announcements will address challenges to widespread EV adoption by clearing the path for a nationwide network of chargers that is even more accessible and affordable than traditional gas stations,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This historic undertaking will spur economic growth powered by American workers who will deliver on President Biden’s goals for America to lead the world in EV manufacturing and adoption.”