Tuesday, January 14, 2025

US: $635 Million for Charging and Refuelling Infrastructure

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The US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced 635 million USD in grants to expand the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fuelling infrastructure.

Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the grants will support 49 projects across 27 states, four federally recognised tribes, and the District of Columbia, adding over 11,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fuelling infrastructure.

New investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will add more than 11,500 electric vehicle charging ports and expand hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure in communities nationwide

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President Biden has set an ambitious target of 500,000 publicly available EV chargers by 2030, with the country already on track to achieve this goal ahead of schedule.

There are now over 206,000 publicly accessible charging ports, bolstered by 38,000 new installations in 2024. This growth reflects a combination of federal funding, tax incentives, and private-sector investment.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:

The Biden Administration has made historic investments to support the EV transition and make sure it’s made in America. These investments will help states and communities build out a network of EV chargers in the coming years so that one day, finding a charge on a road trip will be as easy as filling up at a gas station.

The new funding includes 368 million USD for community-focused projects and 268 million USD for corridor fast-charging initiatives. These investments will provide equitable access to zero-emission refuelling options and foster economic growth in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Community-focused highlights include:

  • Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma: 10.7 million USD to install 112 EV charging ports across 12 locations, ensuring nearly all residents are within 25 miles of a charger.
  • Troy, Alabama: 724,912 USD to install 10 chargers at key sites, including a hospital and university, supporting local businesses and tourism.

Corridor-focused highlights include:

  • Houston, Texas: 24.8 million USD for a hydrogen fuelling station for heavy-duty trucks at Bayport, advancing clean freight transport.
  • Mid-Atlantic Corridor: 18.6 million USD for fast-charging stations along I-81 and I-78, enhancing regional connectivity for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

In alignment with the Justice40 Initiative, 67% of the funding will benefit disadvantaged communities. These projects aim to reduce transportation costs, mitigate health impacts from air pollution, and ensure broader access to zero-emission transportation options.

Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg said:

We’re proud to deliver $635 million in Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grants to continue building out EV and alternative fuel infrastructure across America. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts, we now have over 206,000 publicly available chargers nationwide and hundreds of new manufacturing facilities across 40 states, creating jobs and economic growth. Today’s awards bring us one step closer to a cleaner transportation future.

This investment is part of the 2.5-billion USD Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, complemented by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Together, these initiatives are catalysing private sector engagement, expanding manufacturing, and creating jobs.

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