DOT Opens Application for $2.5 Billion Program to Build EV Chargers Nationwide

The United States Department of Transportation opened applications for the first round of funding the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program worth $2.5 billion. This will help ensure that every community across the country will be funded for EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure.

Opening Applications

US DOT's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program just recently opened for applications. According to a released statement from the Federal Highway Administration, this program will provide $2.5 billion for five years to help deploy EV chargers, hydrogen fuel stations, and reduced-emission systems to every community.

"This administration is modernizing our infrastructure and creating good jobs in the process. With today's announcement, we are taking another big step forward in creating an EV future that is convenient, affordable, reliable, and accessible to all Americans," US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated.

While half of the program's funding will go to constructing chargers and stations in both accessible and inaccessible areas, the rest will be funding the installation of equipment in alternative fuel corridors on highways to cater to drivers who travel long-distance.

This effort is part of President Joe Biden's campaign to build 500,000 charging stations in the country by 2030, which is about five times the amount in early 2022. This program ensures charging access within 50 miles of someone's location in all 50 states. It also creates good-paying jobs since workers will be needed to install and maintain the charging stations.

United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, this effort will ensure that EV adoption in the country will be widespread as EV charging stations will be more visible and accessible to different communities, especially to underserved communities like urban and rural areas.

Applying for the Program

The first round of funding makes up to $700 million available from fiscal years 2022 and 2023, with the rest will come over for the next five-year span. Engadget reported that officials have until May 30th to apply for this program, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Building a national charging network is very critical, as per Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein, as it provides EV drivers of opting the right location to charge their vehicles. "By working with cities and communities through the CFI Program to get this mix right, we can ensure that everyone has convenient and affordable access to riding and driving electric," he said.

ArsTechnica reported that CFI applicants contain standards similar to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. It requires applicants for 97% uptime at plug level for reliability and service. This requirement supports a consistent experience for drivers and ensures that several stations remain convenient, reliable, and locally made.