The NEVI EV Charging Program Really Is Actually Back On Track

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, launched in 2022 under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to accelerate the development of a national fast-charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) along major U.S. highways. Despite initial setbacks—including some states hesitating to apply for funds and staffing/resource challenges—by July 2024, all 50 states had submitted deployment plans, with eight states already operating NEVI-funded charging stations totaling 61 ports and another 2,500 ports planned. The program faced a significant threat in early 2024 when then-President Donald Trump attempted to terminate it and withheld nearly half of Kentucky’s $69.5 million allocation, but EV advocates successfully fought to restore the initiative. Following legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by states such as Kentucky, the program was revitalized with revised guidelines announced by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in August 2024. These changes reportedly removed some clean energy requirements, reflecting a shift