The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has released the final rule for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Standards and Requirements. The final rule sets the minimum standards for federally funded EV infrastructure and implements requirements for the Build America and Buy America which governs the construction of 500,000 EV chargers across the country.

These standards will help to ensure that electric vehicle (EV) chargers are operating in a similar, safe, and reliable manner across the country. After the release of the final rule, states have started to accept applications for the first round of NEVI funding.

It’s essential to first understand the final rule set by the FHWA because it dictates minimum standards each EV charging station operator needs to adhere to. We’ve put together a NEVI Requirements Quick Guide that breaks down the 140-page ruling¹ into highlights that helps prepare you when applying for funds.

Each state also has their own approved plan for the first round of NEVI funding. Additional criteria beyond the NEVI minimum standards could apply depending on your state. Understanding your state’s plan will be imperative to securing funding for sites and ensuring you have the appropriate equipment to meet your state’s NEVI deployment plan.

EXAMPLE: Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan states, “…IDOT will contract to build DCFC stations every 50 miles along the already designated corridors with at least 3 ports delivering 150 kWh of power and one port delivering 350 kWh.”

In support of this, each state has created a landing page where you can find details on applying for NEVI funding or you can find your state’s plan on our interactive map².

NEVI funding will roll-out at the state level and will likely flow through the State Department of Transportation (DOT). Most states will include information on the status of the funding and how to apply for funds on their NEVI landing page.

Keep in mind, depending on where a state is at in the process the webpage may still be under construction. Don’t be discouraged if you only find “more information coming soon” because most states are offering the ability to subscribe for updates on NEVI funding.

Once each state is ready, they will outline how applicants can apply for NEVI funding. One example of a state with their plan requirements online and that is already accepting applicants is Pennsylvania³.

Now that NEVI’s Final Rule has been established, being ready when funds begin to flow will give site bidders an advantage.

Consider putting together a team to help with applying for NEVI funding. As you apply, consider how many parties are involved and what their role is. Examples include:

Identifying these stakeholders early in the process will prevent scrambling when it comes time to apply.

Each state needs a process to review and rank each submitted application that is received for program funding. Some states have already released their project scoring systems for choosing hosts. Each state will likely have a unique scoring system that may include site readiness, project costs, ability to maintain uptime, and more. Understanding how your state will be scoring site bids could give you an advantage in securing funding.

Many states are prioritizing specific corridors/locations for the first round of funding. When approving applicants, these areas will likely be prioritized over others. In support of this, many states have created maps (some interactive) that identify the priority locations along the Alternative Fuels Corridor (AFC). These maps are typically located on the state’s NEVI funding page.

These tools may help you identify stronger options for selecting your sites. However, some states are also open to hearing justification on why other sites should be considered for funding.

EXAMPLE: Texas has put together a statewide planning map as shown below.

It is important to identify the associated Electric Utility for a potential site and work with them to understand the varying needs of a selected site. Depending on the location a utility may need to install or upgrade infrastructure for the increase in power demand.

You may be tasked to acquire certain approvals, time and cost estimates, and outline construction responsibilities. Some states are even requiring utility pre-approval when applying for NEVI funding.

In support of the NEVI program, the NexPhase™ Smart EV Switchgear delivers a turnkey EV charger infrastructure solution. NexPhase™ enables rapid deployment of EV charger stations by providing the entire electrical infrastructure needed to bridge the gap between utility power and EV chargers. It is purpose-built to the NEVI guidelines (supports four DC fast chargers) and can accelerate your rollout of Level 3 Chargers.

Each state has a different timeline for their development and rollout plan. Staying alert and up to date on the latest information released can help mitigate risks and provide key advantages to those listening.

Stay up to date by subscribing to your states updates and monitoring the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s website.

Additionally, follow key organizations within the industry to stay up to date on the latest information.

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