Biden-Harris Administration Making $100 Million Available to Improve EV Charger Reliability

Biden-Harris Administration Making $100 Million Available to ...  Federal Highway Administration

Biden-Harris Administration Making $100 Million Available to Improve EV Charger Reliability

Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law targets gaps in the growing electric vehicle charging network, helping ensure more reliable publicly accessible chargers

FHWA 30-23

Contact: FHWA.PressOffice@dot.gov

Tel: (202) 366-0660

The Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator

The Biden-Harris Administration has opened applications for the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator. This initiative will provide up to $100 million in Federal funding to repair and replace non-operational electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The goal is to complement private sector investment, create jobs, and improve the reliability of the current charging network. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable transportation and infrastructure development.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Statement

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “Under President Biden’s leadership, America is leading the electric vehicle revolution. This funding represents the latest step toward building a convenient, affordable, reliable charging network that reaches every corner of our nation.”

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program

The NEVI Formula Program, a $5 billion program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), aims to help states build EV charging sites. The program includes a 10% set-aside for grants to states and localities that require additional assistance in strategically deploying EV charging infrastructure. The first round of funding will focus on improving the reliability of the current network by repairing or replacing existing EV charging infrastructure.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm’s Statement

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are building up a national EV charging network with chargers Made in the U.S.A. Today’s investment is a pivotal step toward revitalizing our current charging infrastructure, making EV driving cheaper, more reliable, and more convenient.”

Funding Coverage and Eligibility

Based on initial estimates, the available $100 million in funding is expected to cover the repair or replacement costs of all eligible projects. This funding will be awarded through a streamlined application process. Both publicly and privately owned chargers are eligible for funding as long as they are available to the public without restriction.

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt’s Statement

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt stated, “Charging your electric vehicle should be as easy and convenient as filling up a gas tank – and this investment will make our EV charging network more reliable, full stop. We’re building a bigger EV charging network to keep up with driver demand, and we’re also going to make sure the currently available network is working when you need a charge.”

Program Details and Application

The program is informed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator, which identifies offline stations as temporarily unavailable. Eligible applicants and projects for the EV Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator are outlined in a Notice of Funding Opportunity published today. Applications are due by November 13, 2023.

Additional EV-related Actions by the Biden-Harris Administration

  • In May 2023, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation launched the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX) to improve the existing charging experience and released its Ride and Drive Electric FOA to support workforce development, an equitable transition, and American-made EV chargers.
  • In March 2023, FHWA opened applications for the first round of the CFI Discretionary Grant Program with up to $700 million available to strategically deploy EV charging in communities and neighborhoods nationwide.
  • In February 2023, FHWA announced finalized standards to make charging electric vehicles convenient, affordable, reliable, equitable, and safe for all Americans.
  • In February 2023, the White House announced an implementation plan for President Biden’s Build America, Buy America requirements that incentivize domestic production of EV charging components.
  • In September 2022, FHWA approved all 52 EV charging plans from States, Puerto Rico, and DC – unlocking approximately $1.5 billion in funding for implementation.

For more information on President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and investments in electric vehicles, please visit FHWA’s BIL web site.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

  • SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
  • SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

  • Number of repaired or replaced non-operational EV charging infrastructure.
  • Percentage of publicly accessible chargers that are reliable.
  • Percentage of eligible projects covered by the available funding.
  • Number of temporarily unavailable public charging ports.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Number of repaired or replaced non-operational EV charging infrastructure.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Percentage of publicly accessible chargers that are reliable.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. Percentage of eligible projects covered by the available funding.
Number of temporarily unavailable public charging ports.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: highways.dot.gov

 

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