The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently halted funding for state programs to install tens of thousands of new vehicle chargers along highways and at rest stops across the United States. 

Since the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was a key part of the 2022 bipartisan infrastructure law, all 50 states have federally approved plans to build fast chargers, allowing more drivers to access fast, convenient charging on long trips or between job site locations.

In a statement from the FHWA, existing plans would be scrapped, citing, “The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program. Accordingly, current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance are rescinded.”

The FHWA is updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with current U.S. DOT policy and priorities, including those outlined in DOT Order 2100.7, titled “Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities.”

As a result of rescission the NEVI Formula Program Guidance, FHWA is also immediately suspending the approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans for all fiscal years.

“On a bipartisan basis, Congress funded this program to build a new vehicle charging network nationwide. The Trump administration does not have the authority to halt it capriciously,” Beth Harmon, a senior vehicle charging advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), said.

“Courts have already blocked the Trump administration’s other illegal attempts to halt legally mandated funding. Congress needs to stand up for itself: This move and many others from the Trump administration steal away its constitutionally established spending authority,” Harmon added.

The FHWA aims to have an updated draft of NEVI Formula Guidance published for public comment in the spring.