On June 9, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking outlining minimum standards and requirements for projects funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.[1] The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated $5 billion over the next five years for the NEVI Formula Program. States must submit charging infrastructure plans to the newly created Joint Office of Energy and Transportation by August 1, 2022, to access the $615 million available to states in fiscal year (FY) 2022. The proposed standards would set requirements for states to receive these funds.

The proposed standards aim to ensure the electric vehicle (EV) charging network provides a reliable and accessible customer experience and establish the groundwork for greater EV adoption. DOT’s proposal would require all stations in the network to communicate and operate on the same software platforms. The standards also include network connectivity requirements to allow secure remote monitoring, control, and updates. In addition, charging ports must have an average annual uptime of greater than 97%. Other requirements include standard plugs, American-made EV chargers, and the ability for direct current (DC) fast charging stations to simultaneously charge at least four vehicles at a minimum power of 150 kW. The DOT said there will be a 60-day comment period on the proposal following publication in the Federal Register.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-takes-key-step-forward-building-national-network-user