USDOT Announces $635 Million Investment in EV Charging and Alternative Fuelling Infrastructure
Key Ideas
- The USDOT's FHWA has allocated $635 million to enhance the nation's EV charging and alternative fuelling infrastructure, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- President Biden's goal of 500,000 publicly available EV chargers by 2030 is being supported, with over 206,000 charging ports already accessible across the country.
- The investment includes projects in 27 states, federally recognized tribes, and the District of Columbia, with a focus on community and corridor initiatives to provide equitable access to zero-emission refuelling options.
- 67% of the funding will benefit disadvantaged communities, aiming to reduce transportation costs, improve air quality, and expand access to zero-emission transportation choices.
The USDOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has revealed a substantial investment of 635 million USD in grants to bolster the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and alternative fuelling facilities across the United States. This funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be channeled into 49 projects spread over 27 states, four federally recognized tribes, and the District of Columbia. The initiative aims to introduce more than 11,500 EV charging ports, along with hydrogen and natural gas fuelling infrastructure, to various communities.
President Biden's target of establishing 500,000 publicly accessible EV chargers by 2030 is well underway, with the current count already exceeding 206,000 ports, including 38,000 new installations in 2024. The growth in charging infrastructure is attributed to a mix of federal investments, tax incentives, and contributions from the private sector.
The grants encompass 368 million USD for community-centric projects and 268 million USD for corridor fast-charging endeavors. Notable examples include the allocation of funds to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma for the installation of 112 EV charging ports and supporting projects in Troy, Alabama, to bolster local businesses and tourism. Corridor-focused investments feature Houston, Texas, receiving funding for a hydrogen fuelling station for heavy-duty trucks, and the Mid-Atlantic Corridor securing funds for fast-charging stations along I-81 and I-78.
The drive towards equitable access to zero-emission refuelling options is a core component of these initiatives, with a significant portion of the funding—67%—earmarked for disadvantaged communities. The overarching goal is to decrease transportation expenses, address health issues related to air pollution, and ensure wider availability of eco-friendly transportation alternatives. The Deputy Transportation Secretary, Polly Trottenberg, expressed pride in delivering these grants, emphasizing the administration's commitment to expanding the nation's EV and alternative fuel infrastructure, which includes over 206,000 publicly available chargers and the establishment of numerous manufacturing facilities across the country, thereby fostering job creation and economic growth.
Topics
Investing
Infrastructure
Electric Vehicles
Transportation
Charging Infrastructure
Environmental
Community Development
United States
Grants
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