America Plugs into Over Half a Billion in New Funding to Advance EVs
On August 27, 2024, Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, announced exciting new government funding awards to support the American EV revolution. The historic accomplishments of the forward-thinking Biden-Harris Administration marks a significant step forward in the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure across the United States. This $521 million investment, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and availability of EV charging stations and alternative fueling options.
The historic Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by the Biden-Harris Administration, are part of the most significant effort ever undertaken to combat climate change, both in the United States and globally.
Key Highlights
Total Investment: $521 million in Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program awards.
Scope: Funding EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia.
EV Charging Ports: The construction of more than 9,200 EV charging ports.
Community Focus: $321 million dedicated to 41 projects expanding all types of EV infrastructure in communities, including both Level 2 and DC fast chargers.
Alternative Fuel Corridors: $200 million allocated to building out fast charging projects along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
The initiative is supported by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, which offers technical assistance for planning and implementing a national network of EV chargers and zero-emission fueling infrastructure. This effort aligns with broader goals to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place across the country, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
“Most EV charging happens at homes, workplaces, or other destinations while vehicles are already parked, providing a safe, reliable, and vastly more convenient way for anyone to fuel,” said Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “Today’s investments in public community charging fill crucial gaps and provide the foundation for a zero-emission future where everyone can choose to ride or drive electric for greater individual convenience and reduced fueling costs, as well as cleaner air and lower healthcare costs for all Americans.”
This round of funding is a crucial component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring that federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities. The administration has set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits from these federal investments flow into these communities, and this initiative is a key part of achieving that goal. In this round, over half of the $521 million in funding is directed to projects in disadvantaged areas.
Impact on Disadvantaged Communities
Economic and Environmental Benefits: The investments will create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and address air pollution issues, which contribute to conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Community Projects
City of Milwaukee: Received $15 million to install EV chargers at 53 locations across the city, enhancing access to clean energy transportation.
Sioux Reservation, North Dakota: Awarded $3.9 million to install publicly accessible community chargers, making EV charging more convenient for Tribal members by placing stations at key gathering locations.
These projects exemplify the administration’s broader efforts to ensure that the transition to clean energy and sustainable transportation is inclusive, providing tangible benefits to communities that have historically been underserved.
For a full list of grant recipients visit FHWA.gov.
Boston:
“The City of Boston is taking bold steps to ensure that every resident, regardless of their neighborhood, has access to electric vehicle charging. Thanks to the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, Boston will install over 300 EV charging ports, a mix of Level 2 and DC Fast chargers, strategically placed across the city. These chargers will be within a 10-minute walk for most residents, with a strong focus on environmental justice communities. This initiative not only advances our city’s commitment to sustainability but also creates economic opportunities by channeling EV charging jobs to disadvantaged communities and businesses. Through partnerships like the Greater Boston Equitable Apprenticeship Program, we’re making sure that the benefits of this green transition are shared by all Bostonians.”
Cincinnati:
“Cincinnati is breaking down barriers to electric vehicle adoption by bringing charging infrastructure directly to the communities that need it most. With support from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, the city will install publicly accessible EV charging ports at 18 key locations, many of which are in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities. These new charging stations will serve residents in low-income and multifamily housing, areas often overlooked by private developers. This project is a crucial step in ensuring that all Cincinnatians, regardless of their income or living situation, have the option to ride and drive electric, contributing to a healthier and more equitable city.”
Detroit:
“Detroit is leveraging the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to deploy EV charging stations at fourteen critical community-based locations, including parks, public parking lots, and curbside spots where home charging isn’t feasible. This project is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about equity. By placing these chargers in locations accessible to a large portion of Detroit residents and integrating solutions like community-based EV car sharing, we’re ensuring that all residents, regardless of where they live, have access to electrified mobility. This initiative is a powerful step toward making Detroit a leader in sustainable transportation, providing clean, affordable, and accessible mobility options for everyone.”
EVinfo.net congratulates the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and Biden-Harris Administration on these historic and much-needed investments in America’s economy. Through clean energy and EVs, America is moving forward on the right path to compete globally, as well as protect our fragile environment.
