The Trump administration has finally lifted the pause on federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This decision comes after months of holding up the $5 billion program, which was initially frozen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in February for review.
The DOT’s move to pause the NEVI program involved revoking the guidance that states needed to follow when submitting plans for the use of the funds. This action effectively halted the awarding of new contracts for EV charging projects, although existing projects could continue. The administration cited the need to update the program to align with current DOT policy and priorities as the reason for the freeze.
In response to the pause, several states filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that it was illegal. A federal judge sided with the states in June, ordering the administration to unfreeze the funds and suggesting that the states were likely to win their case.
Now, the DOT has issued new, revised guidance that paves the way for states to apply for funding once again. The updated interim guidance aims to streamline the process by eliminating certain requirements that were deemed unnecessary red tape. This includes removing mandates for addressing consumer protections, emergency evacuation plans, environmental siting, resilience, and terrain considerations in EV charger deployment plans.
Under the new framework, states have the flexibility to determine the distance between federally funded fast-charging stations on highways, as opposed to the previous requirement of no more than 50 miles apart. This change allows states to allocate NEVI funds to charging projects beyond major highways.
Despite criticisms of EV policy from the Trump administration, the charging industry has seen significant growth in 2025. Record fast-charger deployments are expected this year, and major players like Electrify America continue to expand their infrastructure.
While the rollout of the NEVI program has been slow, with only a fraction of the funds spent so far, the decision to resume funding for EV charging stations is a positive step towards promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The revised guidance aims to make the program more efficient and responsive to the evolving needs of the EV market.
In conclusion, the resumption of federal funding for EV charging infrastructure under the NEVI program reflects a commitment to supporting the transition to electric mobility in the United States. The updated guidelines provide states with more flexibility and autonomy in deploying charging stations, which is crucial for accelerating the growth of the EV market.