The US Department of Transportation released the first funding charge through a new infrastructure-building program. The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program is in addition to NEVI and pushes US infrastructure funding to the expected $7.5 billion.

The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program alone provides $2.5 billion in funding over five years, of which the first $700 million has now been released for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. This is in addition to the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Programme, for which the US government set final requirements in February.

EV chargers constructed with CFI funds must adhere to those same standards set via NEVI. This requirement supports a consistent charging experience for users and ensures that our national charging network is convenient, reliable and Made in America, so the press office.

However, while NEVI funding focuses on fast charging stations along highways, the new CFI programme wants to see charging stations and alternative refuelling infrastructure, including both hydrogen and gas, in urban and rural areas, especially in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

“Extending EV charging infrastructure into traditionally underserved areas will ensure that equitable and widespread EV adoption takes hold,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

The CFI Program has two distinct grant categories and requires that 50% of the funding over five years is made available for each.