The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released updated guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, aimed at streamlining the process for states to deploy EV charging stations. 

The changes are intended to accelerate charger construction, simplify how states access and use federal funds, and expand flexibility in siting and planning. Work Truck dug into the items that matter the most for work truck fleets. 

NEVI Formula Program Funding and Cost Share Details

The NEVI program provides significant federal investment to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide, with clear cost-sharing rules for states and private partners.

• The NEVI Formula Program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), provides $5 billion in total funding from fiscal years 2022–2026 to build an interconnected EV charging network.

• The federal share for projects is 80%, with the remaining 20% from state or private sources. In-kind contributions can count toward the match.

• Funds cannot be transferred to other highway programs and are available until expended.

• States may contract with private entities for acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of EV chargers; ownership does not have to revert to the state.

Focus on Alternative Fuel Corridors and Expanded EV Charging Access

The updated guidance allows states more flexibility in station placement and opens funding to more locations once key corridors are complete.

• Funding initially supports chargers along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).

• Once AFCs are certified as “fully built out” by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), funds may be used for EV charging infrastructure on any public road or other publicly accessible locations.

• States have flexibility to determine charger spacing along corridors based on grid capacity, geography, cost, and other local factors.

• States are encouraged to co-locate chargers at retail or service locations with amenities such as restrooms and safe parking.

Eligible EV Charger Projects Under the NEVI Program

NEVI funds can be used for a range of infrastructure projects, from new charger installations to planning and analysis activities.

• Acquisition and installation of new chargers for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.

• Upgrades to existing chargers to meet NEVI standards.

• On-site distributed energy resources, such as stationary batteries, that directly support charging.

• Operating and maintenance assistance for up to five years for chargers funded through NEVI.

• Acquisition or installation of traffic control devices and on-site signage directing drivers to charging locations.

• Development-phase activities include planning, permitting, environmental review, feasibility studies, and revenue forecasting.

• Mapping and analysis to forecast EV adoption, charging demand, and infrastructure needs.

State EV Infrastructure Plan Requirements and Deadlines

States must meet streamlined planning requirements, focusing only on core statutory and regulatory items.

• States must submit updated EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans within 30 days of the guidance release.

• Plans are now streamlined to include only:

  1. How funds will be used for each fiscal year (including unobligated funds from FY2022–2026),

  2. A Community Engagement Outcomes Report (per regulation), and

  3. A physical and cybersecurity strategy.

NEVI Minimum Standards and Data Reporting Requirements

All NEVI-funded projects must meet established federal standards and provide consistent performance reporting.

• All NEVI-funded projects must meet the minimum standards in 23 CFR part 680.

• States must report performance data through the EV-ChART online portal, a standardized platform for data collection and analytics.

Impact of NEVI Updates on Work Truck Fleet Electrification

These updates could lead to a faster buildout of charging stations in more locations, offering additional options for fleets considering electrification. 

The inclusion of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging in eligible uses, flexibility in site selection, and potential expansion beyond major corridors may improve route planning and operational efficiency for vocational and regional truck fleets.