The Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new investment to expand the adoption and use of electric vehicles in the country, committing $623 million in grants for electric vehicle charging stations aimed at building community charging networks across the United States.
The massive investment is part of President Biden’s goal to build 500,000 public chargers by 2030.
“America led the way in the automotive age, and now we have the opportunity to lead the world in the electric vehicle revolution—securing jobs, savings, and benefits for Americans in the process. This funding will help ensure electric vehicle chargers are easily accessible , reliable and convenient for American drivers, while creating jobs for American workers in charger manufacturing, installation and maintenance.” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
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The Federal Transit Administration also awarded $311 million to 36 community projects, including Native-led projects in Alaska and Arizona.
According to the announcement, the grants are funded by the $2.5 billion in electric vehicle funding included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The law also authorizes up to $108 billion in public transportation infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation safety, modernizing existing systems, improving access to underserved communities and transitioning service to climate-friendly options.
For example, the government announced a $1.7 billion grant program to support zero-emission and lower-cost buses across the country.
EV charging stations along the country’s highway system have previously been funded through the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program.
To build what the administration calls a stronger EV “backbone,” the Biden administration’s new grant plan will fund 47 EV charging and alternative fuel infrastructure projects in 22 states and Puerto Rico and build 7,500 EV charging ports .
“From my experience working there, I know there’s a difference between finding electric vehicle charging in a neighborhood versus finding charging along a highway,” Buttigieg added. “The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to make an investment that provides Americans with convenient, direct charging options in their communities.”
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Electric vehicles for social welfare
