EV charging stations at rural gas stations, urban areas, municipalities, and national parks share several features in common. First, they help supply much-needed infrastructure for EV drivers. Secondly, if installed as the result of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, they help create American jobs.
BABA was enacted through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in November 2021. It requires government agencies and contractors involved in federally funded infrastructure projects to prioritize buying materials that meet the “Made in America” criteria outlined in the Act. The BABA Act applies to EV charging installations in two ways – it is designed to broaden public access to the EV charging network while simultaneously supporting American manufacturers.
How the BABA Act and US manufacturing
BABA establishes strict requirements for companies receiving federal funds for EV charging installations to manufacture the charging stations in the United States using domestically sourced materials. Key compliance requirements include:
- Domestic manufacturing of EV chargers
- U.S.-sourced iron and steel components
- Final assembly in the United States
- Adherence to specific domestic content thresholds
Compliance timeline for EV chargers
After BABA was enacted, the government issued a waiver for EV chargers that simply required the final assembly of the charger to be completed in the United States. The purpose of the waiver was to encourage and foster more rapid EV network development.
However, as announced in March 2023, that waiver is ending and only applies to EV chargers manufactured before July 1, 2024. After the July 1st date, purchasing agencies must maintain full compliance with domestic manufacturing requirements if those chargers are purchased using government funding, such as NEVI money.
Success stories in implementation: Eastern Washington Rural Initiative
Women of Wisdom, a nonprofit organization and Northwest Small Business Transportation Resource Center, exemplifies the successful leveraging of multiple funding sources to expand EV charging infrastructure in underserved Eastern Washington. The organization strategically combined Washington State WAEVCP grants with other funding opportunities while partnering with BTC POWER for U.S.-manufactured EV charging equipment.
The organization focuses on installing Level 3 DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers at strategic multi-use locations that serve highway travelers and local communities. The WoW approach demonstrates how nonprofits can effectively bridge infrastructure gaps in rural areas while also meeting domestic manufacturing requirements.
Other initiatives demonstrate the positive impact of the Build America plan, such as the Michigan Clean Cities Coalition. The MCCC recently announced plans to install 50 chargers in and around the Lansing/Detroit area utilizing federal funding. This represents another type of program that would rely on BABA-compliant equipment to qualify for that federal funding as part of the movement to expand the charging network.
Benefits of BABA-compliant EV charging solutions
Investing in BABA-compliant charging infrastructure offers several advantages:
- Guaranteed access to federal funding: Compliant equipment ensures eligibility for federal infrastructure funds, including NEVI program support.
- Support for domestic manufacturing: Investment strengthens American manufacturing capabilities and supports job creation in the clean energy sector.
- Supply chain security: Domestic production helps ensure more reliable supply chains and faster access to replacement parts and services.
- Economic development: Supporting local economic growth that support American manufacturing and technological innovation.
Government applications
In addition to commercial installations in retail, hospitality, fleet and dealerships, BABA funding support for EV charging solutions extends to various government applications at all levels, including:
- Federal fleet facilities
- National Park Service locations
- Department of Homeland Security installations
- Military bases
- State government complexes
- Municipal vehicle depots
- Public works facilities
- County administrative centers
- Transit authority locations
- Public safety facilities
Making informed procurement decisions
When implementing BABA-compliant EV charging infrastructure, agencies should:
- Conduct thorough needs assessments of charging requirements
- Engage with qualified manufacturers early in the planning process
- Review funding requirements and compliance documentation
- Consider future expansion needs in initial planning
- Establish clear maintenance and support protocols
Leading BABA-compliant EV charging solutions: BTC POWER’s innovation
BTC POWER has emerged as a leader in BABA-compliant charging solutions, with its fast charging Level3 Gen 4 All-in-One (AiO) DC Fast Charger representing the forefront of American-made charging technology. It offers a great user experience and offers the reliability and flexibility that give this system an overall low total cost of ownership. A modular design offers operators the ability to expand the system as needs grow and change. The AiO system offers:
technology. It offers a great user experience and offers the reliability and flexibility that give this system an overall low total cost of ownership. A modular design offers operators the ability to expand the system as needs grow and change. The AiO system offers:
Technical specifications
- Simultaneous charging capabilities
- Quick charging capabilities of 10-15 minutes
- Multiple connectivity options (SAE Combo CCS1, CHAdeMO, and NACS)
- Liquid-cooled cables for 500A continuous charging
- Advanced touchscreen interfaces (15″ or 32″) for messaging
- Multiple payment options including credit card and RFID
- Full NEVI compliance
- Industry-leading 98% uptime
Looking forward: Buy America EV chargers
The Build America, Buy America Act represents more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing while advancing clean energy infrastructure. As more agencies and organizations implement BABA-compliant solutions, this wave highlights the emergence of innovative approaches that combine regulatory compliance with effective infrastructure deployment.
By understanding these requirements and working with qualified manufacturers, agencies can successfully implement EV charging infrastructure that meets both operational needs and federal requirements while contributing to America’s clean energy future. The success stories and innovative solutions emerging across the country demonstrate that BABA is not just a policy—it is a catalyst for positive change in American manufacturing and sustainable transportation.
BTC POWER is not just a commercial EV charger manufacturer; we also help companies with finding funding for their location. Contact us if you would like to know more about funding or Buy America compliant EV chargers.