New Guidelines for NEVI now appear to empower states to initiate EV charging infrastructure projects
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled revised guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a move aimed at simplifying the state plan approval process and accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
On August 11, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy released interim final guidance that reduces administrative burdens and increases state flexibility. This guidance simplifies the state EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan approval process, minimizes plan content requirements, and reduces community engagement requirements compared to earlier guidance.
The new policy also provides flexibility funding-wise for roadway projects linked to EV infrastructure. It eliminates or lessens requirements related to electric grid integration systems, consumer protections, and emergency evacuation procedures.
This guidance supersedes most previous directives except where explicit statutory language remains. The DOT is actively seeking public comments on the guidance through August 27, 2025, potentially leading to further refinements.
The NEVI Formula Program, established under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and funded in part by the Inflation Reduction Act, provides $5 billion in funding for states to build EV charging infrastructure. The program distributes federal funds to states using a formula similar to highway funding. Its core objectives remain providing funds to states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure along alternative fuel corridors, maintain and operate the infrastructure properly, and ensure data sharing for network reliability and long-term success.
The context of these updates includes the Trump administration’s priority to streamline and downsize program requirements to ensure efficient federal resource use, following a court-blocked halt on EV charger funding. Secretary Duffy emphasized cutting waste and making it easier for states to build infrastructure rather than burdening them with onerous rules.
Under the new streamlined rules, states now have 30 days to submit their EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans. The Interim Final Guidance for the NEVI Formula Program requires states to submit their plans within 30 days of the effective date.
This evolution reflects a policy shift to expedite EV charging infrastructure rollout while respecting Congressional mandates and court decisions affecting program implementation. The new policy minimizes requirements for states to consider electric grid integration and renewable energy. It also gives state flexibility to determine the appropriate distances between charging stations.
In June, a federal judge temporarily blocked the US administration from withholding funds awarded to 14 states. This revised guidance comes as a response to the court ruling and aims to streamline the NEVI program to accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations.
Sources:
- NEVI Formula Program Interim Final Guidance
- DOT Streamlines NEVI Program to Accelerate EV Charging Deployment
- Transportation Secretary Duffy Announces Interim Final Guidance for NEVI Formula Program
- NEVI Formula Program Fact Sheet
- NEVI Formula Program FAQs
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