New multi-billion dollar EV charging programme launched in the U.S. – EQ Mag
The new programme will make funding available to strategically deploy EV charging, and other alternative vehicle fuelling infrastructure projects, in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities across the U.S.
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that it has opened applications for a new multi-billion-dollar programme to fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fuelling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates and major roadways.
The roll-out of the programme is a key step towards the President’s goals of building a national network of 500,000 public EV charging stations and reducing national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50-52% by 2030.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments and Tribes.
This round of funding makes up to $700 million from fiscal years 2022 and 2023 funding available to strategically deploy EV charging and other alternative vehicle fuelling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
“By helping bring EV charging to communities across the country, this Administration is modernising our infrastructure and creating good jobs in the process,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are taking another big step forward in creating an EV future that is convenient, affordable, reliable and accessible to all Americans.”
“Extending EV charging infrastructure into traditionally underserved areas will ensure that equitable and widespread EV adoption takes hold,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Ensuring that charging stations are more visible and accessible in our communities addresses the concerns many American drivers have when considering making the switch to electric.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law divides the CFI Program into two distinct grant funding categories, and requires that 50% of the funding over five years is made available for each:
- The Community Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, and hydrogen, propane, or natural gas fuelling infrastructure in communities
- The Corridor Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane and natural gas fuelling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs).
“It’s critical that we build a national charging network that provides EV drivers with the right type of charging in the right location – whether that’s high-powered charging on highway corridors and in urban hubs or Level 2 charging where EV drivers or riders live, work and play,” said Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein. “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.”
Source: intelligenttransport
