DOT eases criteria for states to build EV charging stations

The Trump administration Monday announced plans to make it easier for states to deploy $5 billion of federal funds to build out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation released revised guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which features $5 billion of formula funds to states as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding runs through 2026.

The program’s goal was to build a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030 to encourage adoption of electric vehicles. It was one of former President Joe Biden’s top priorities, but the program faced struggles getting off the ground and was the target of criticism from both sides of the aisle.

President Trump froze the funds when he took office. Dozens of Democratic states have sued, arguing the funding freeze, like other Trump administration efforts to unwind already appropriated funds, violates the Impoundment Control Act. In May, the Government Accountability Office opinion called the NEVI pause illegal.

As of February, $3 billion of the $5 billion NEVI pot had been allocated with $1 billion remaining to be allocated annually through the end of fiscal 2026.

States are now required to submit new plans to the DOT within 30 days. The Federal Highway Administration is seeking further comment on additional changes.

Monday’s announcement came as a surprise for some EV supporters, who had expected the funds to remain on hold or face an attempted claw back. The revised guidance frees states from Biden-era criteria, like detailing how the charging stations would encourage participation from minority- and women-owned small businesses, and removes an order for states to ensure “the deployment, installation, operation, and use of EV charging infrastructure achieves equitable and fair distribution of benefits and services.”

“If Congress is requiring the federal government to support charging stations, let’s cut the waste and do it right,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a statement. “Our revised NEVI guidance slashes red tape and makes it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure. While I don’t agree with subsidizing green energy, we will respect Congress’ will and make sure this program uses federal resources efficiently.”

The new guidance allows states to decide the distance between stations along “alternative fuel corridors,” unlike the Biden requirement that they be built every 50 miles. It eases requirements that states consider electric grid integration and renewable energy, and encourages charging station locations where station owners are also the “site host.”

Despite the slow start, a July GAO report said the program, along with a companion $2.5 billion EV charging station competitive grant program, had led to 384 charging ports by April 2025.