The Biden administration is ready to spend nearly $5 billion to develop a network of electric vehicle charging stations along U.S. highways.
The funding comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure law.
According to EcoWatch, the money will be shared among the states over the next five years, while installing and operating the stations will be contracted to private companies.
“A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution. The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”
Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Secretary
The Biden administration will start offering $615 million to states once they submit their plans and have them approved by the government.
The guidelines are clear — the states must use the funds to install chargers every 50 miles along highways, within one mile of a highway, while the chargers themselves must be able to charge four vehicles at once.
The federal guidelines also call for environmental justice — the state project must target at least 40 percent of the benefits towards disadvantaged communities.
Although the $5 billion investment is the largest of its kind, still $39 billion more is needed to complete a public EV charging system by 2035.
More inspiring green news similar to this:
