States Fight to Keep $5B EV Charging Program on Track

A federal program to build electric vehicle charging stations across America is moving forward despite repeated attempts to derail it.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program distributes $5 billion in congressionally approved funding to help states install EV chargers along highways. In January, a federal judge ruled the administration acted unlawfully when it tried to freeze these funds, confirming that Congress's appropriated money can't be yanked without proper legal authority.

Now the program faces a different challenge. The Federal Highway Administration proposed raising domestic content requirements for charger components from 55% to potentially 100%, a move industry experts say could stall projects already years in the making.

States have spent significant time planning charging station locations, coordinating with utilities, and ordering equipment under existing federal rules. The Zero Emission Transportation Association warned that sudden supply chain changes could drive up costs and discourage investment in American manufacturing.

Katherine García from Sierra Club's Clean Transportation for All program sees the proposal as another roadblock to infrastructure Congress already funded. She pointed out that supporting American manufacturing shouldn't mean sabotaging programs designed to help all Americans access charging infrastructure.

The challenge involves practical realities. Electronics and semiconductors used in charging equipment remain difficult to source entirely from domestic suppliers because those manufacturing capabilities don't fully exist in the U.S. yet. American corporations sold much of their high-tech production capacity to Asian and European companies decades ago.

The Bright Side

Despite the obstacles, the core program survives. Courts confirmed that congressional funding can't disappear based on political preferences, giving states legal backing to continue their infrastructure plans.

About a half dozen U.S. based manufacturers already produce fast charging equipment, even though they rely on some imported components. With stable policy and realistic phase-ins, domestic manufacturing capacity could grow to meet demand over time.

The program represents thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, and eventually expanded manufacturing. States that push forward now are building infrastructure that will serve drivers for decades while creating opportunities for American workers and companies to develop expertise in growing industries.

Legal clarity means states know their funding is protected, letting them confidently move projects from planning to construction.