The Biden-Harris Administration on March 14 opened applications for a new multi-billion-dollar program to fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. This President’s goal is to build a national network of 500,000 public EV charging stations, reducing national greenhouse gas emissions by 50–52% by 2030.  

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s 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 first 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-fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).

“With today’s announcement, we are taking another big step forward in creating an EV future that is convenient, affordable, reliable, and accessible to all Americans,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

While the NEVI Formula Program sends money to States, Puerto Rico, and DC to build EV charging infrastructure along designated Interstates, U.S. routes, and State highways, the CFI Discretionary Grant Program awards competitive grants to projects serving a range of applicants to fill gaps in the national charging and alternative-fueling network and build out charging in communities. 

A priority of the CFI Program is bringing EV charging into urban and rural communities, downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in under-served and disadvantaged communities, as well as to designated alternative fuel corridors. 

Eligible applicants and projects are outlined in a Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applications are due by May 30, 2023.

For more information on President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and investments in electric vehicles, please visit FHWA’s BIL web site.