In a letter addressed to state transportation directors on February 6, Emily Biondi, Associate Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), stated that the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance, last updated in June 2024, has been rescinded. The FHWA will draft new guidance to align with the Biden administration’s policy priorities, including economic analysis standards outlined in DOT Order 2100.7. A public comment period on the revised guidelines is expected to begin in the spring.
The NEVI Formula Program, a federally funded initiative supporting the strategic deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, differs from other formula-based grant programs in that it requires the Secretary of Transportation to approve state implementation plans before funds can be obligated. With the rescission of the existing guidance, all state EV infrastructure plans are now on hold, and no new funds may be allocated until new guidelines are issued and state plans are resubmitted and approved.
While the suspension prevents new project obligations, the FHWA assured states that they would not be penalized for failing to implement existing plans. Reimbursements for previously committed funds will continue to prevent disruptions to ongoing financial commitments.
The decision marks a significant shift in federal oversight of EV infrastructure spending, reflecting a broader review of transportation policies under the new leadership at the DOT. Further details, including instructions for submitting revised state plans, will be outlined in the forthcoming NEVI Formula Program Guidance.
For further inquiries, state officials are directed to contact Gary Jensen, Director of the Office of Natural Environment at FHWA.
Fuel Industry Groups Respond to Suspension of State EV Infrastructure Plans
Two major fuel industry groups, NATSO, which represents truck stops and travel centers, and SIGMA, an association of fuel marketers, responded to the Federal Highway Administration’s decision to suspend approval of state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant program.
David Fialkov, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for both organizations, acknowledged the mixed success of the NEVI program, noting that while it has helped some gas stations and truck stops install high-speed EV charging stations, its implementation has been inconsistent.
“In some states, the NEVI program has successfully catalyzed the installation of fast, state-of-the-art EV chargers at existing fueling locations,” Fialkov said. “In others, the program has been poorly executed, leaving chargers unbuilt or placed in locations where drivers have little interest in stopping.”
Fialkov welcomed the Biden administration’s decision to reassess the program rather than abandon it altogether, emphasizing that NATSO and SIGMA plan to work with federal officials to improve its implementation. “We intend to share our experience to preserve what has worked while reconsidering approaches that have proven ineffective,” he said.
The suspension of state EV infrastructure plans follows the Department of Transportation’s broader review of NEVI policies, with new guidance expected after a public comment period in the spring.