The electric vehicle revolution is charging forward, powered by an ambitious national initiative reshaping America’s roads. As we cruise into 2024, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a cornerstone of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is turning the dream of a coast-to-coast EV charging network into reality. From Maine to California, NEVI-funded charging stations are sprouting up, marking the beginning of a new era in sustainable transportation.
The current administration’s vision of 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030 is no longer just an ambitious target but a goal within reach. Helping accelerate this shift, January 2024 saw an additional boost of $623 million in grants for network expansion, complemented by $149 million earmarked for rejuvenating existing infrastructure. With the current 28.5 vehicles per public charger ratio already nearing the 2030 benchmark, officials are optimistic the goal is achievable.
Surprising leaders in EV charging availability using NEVI funds
Most people think of dense urban areas as electric charger oases, with the most available and abundant EV networks for vehicle owners to power up their vehicles. However, there are some surprises in store when looking at the listing of states with the most charging stations per electric vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy releases data annually for alternative fueling stations, and in 2023, the top three states when looking at this charging ratio were North Dakota, Wyoming, and West Virginia.
Granted, California still hosts the highest number of charging ports by a large margin, followed by New York, Florida, and Texas. However, NEVI funding is opening up the nation’s EV charging landscape.
Stately progress: A virtual road trip of NEVI funding
Oklahoma, where EV chargers pop up on the plains
Oklahoma, where the winds come sweeping ‘cross the plains, has spent $9 million to install 13 EV chargers on popular routes in the state (I-35, I-40, and I-44 corridors). This is part of the second phase of the Oklahoma NEVI Formula program, which will receive $66 million during five years to install chargers on designated corridors and within one mile of a highway exit.
New York’s Empire State of charging
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $21 million in federal funding to install electric vehicle fast chargers along major travel corridors in New York state. This initiative, funded by a NEVI grant, aims to expand the Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) infrastructure network, focusing initially on areas along and north of Interstate 84.
The program, administered by NYSERDA in partnership with NYSDOT, invites qualified EV infrastructure developers to install and operate DCFC stations that meet specific federal requirements. New York has already made progress with NEVI EV charger funding, opening its first DCFC site in December 2023, followed by two additional locations in early 2024. Six more NEVI-funded DCFC sites are expected to be operational by the end of 2025. This ongoing expansion is part of New York’s broader efforts to transition to clean transportation, reduce emissions, and improve air quality, supported by a total allocation of $175 million under the federal NEVI program.
Maryland’s electrifying expansion
Governor Wes Moore announced $12.1 million in federal funding to expand electric vehicle charging across Maryland under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. This initiative will create 130 fast-charging ports at 23 sites in 15 counties, partnering with various companies to deploy chargers along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. The program addresses the lack of charging infrastructure, a major barrier for potential EV owners.
With nearly 110,000 EV registrations as of June 2024, Maryland has seen a 65% growth since January 2023 in charger installations. The state plans a second round of funding to complete the remaining 18 sites to meet federal build-out requirements for its Alternative Fuel Corridors.
Love’s Travel Stops: Charging up America’s highways
Love’s Travel Stops is emerging as a major player in commercial EV charging infrastructure expansion across the United States, leveraging significant funding from NEVI program. The company recently began constructing EV charging stations at its New York locations in Ripley and Waterloo, each featuring two dual-port 160 kW Level 3 DC fast chargers.
Love’s current EV charging network encompasses more than 100 chargers at 28 stores across 11 states, with plans to break ground on eight more charging stations using NEVI funds in Pennsylvania and Kentucky this year. As one of the top three recipients of NEVI grant funds and the leader in the travel station sector, Love’s is well-positioned to meet the program’s requirements, including strategic location placement, 24/7 accessibility, and comprehensive amenities.
In 2025, Love’s expects to start construction on NEVI-funded EV charging stations in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Using NEVI funds to power the future of transportation
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the United States is gaining momentum, driven by these federal funding provisions, state initiatives, and private sector investments. The dream of a comprehensive, nationwide charging network is becoming a reality as the NEVI EV charging program continues to roll out and more stations come online.
This progress fosters increased EV adoption, reduces range anxiety, and ultimately helps the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transformation in the future.
NEVI funding compliance and advanced charging solutions
It’s important to note that chargers installed using NEVI funding must be NEVI-compliant EV chargers, meeting specific technical and operational standards. For those seeking more information about NEVI funds, BTC POWER offers valuable resources and solutions, such as free consultations to find NEVI funding by state. Additionally, BTC POWER is a commercial EV charger manufacturer of NEVI-compliant chargers such as the Gen 4 All-in-One (AiO) DC Fast Charger, an award-winning solution offering 120-180kW power output. The AiO’s compact design and Buy America compliance make it ideal for NEVI program installations, showcasing advanced technology in the nationwide charging network expansion. Learn more about NEVI-compliant EV charger options or find available funding by contacting the team at BTC POWER.