On January 10, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $635 million in grants to continue building out electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s signature zero-emission refueling infrastructure programs.

The grants fund 49 projects that will deploy more than 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure along corridors and in communities across 27 States, four Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia.

This recent funding opportunity actually received 416 applications requesting a combined $4.05 billion in funding, more than six times the amount of funding available, demonstrating a strong desire for federal funding from applications across the nation. This round of funding expands the total number of states with an awarded CFI project to 44, in addition to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with seven states receiving their first CFI award.

As of today, there are more than 206,000 publicly available EV charging ports with 38,000 new public chargers turned on in 2024 thanks to private sector investment, and a combination of direct federal funding, federal tax incentives, and state and local funding.

In addition, thanks to funding from the public and private sectors, the number of publicly accessible EV chargers has more than doubled since 2021. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments have not only helped install hundreds of publicly funded chargers, but have also incentivized industry to invest in EV charging infrastructure and manufacturing, creating good-paying jobs in communities nationwide.

“We’re proud to deliver $635 million in Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grants to continue building out EV and alternative fuel infrastructure across America,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg.

“This funding showcases the harmony in government efforts to maximize federal investments and will build on the Department of Energy’s work to develop the 21st century energy workforce and prepare the grid to power zero-emission fueling infrastructure nationwide,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “The new charging and refueling locations will deliver more accessible and equitable transportation options, create good paying new jobs, and open up opportunities for innovation in communities across America.”

A total of $368 million of January’s investment will be allocated for 42 community projects that expand EV charging infrastructure within communities across the country, while $268 million will go towards seven “corridor” fast-charging projects that build out the national charging and alternative-fueling network along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

With grants for both electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, January’s announcement is consistent with the National Zero Emission Freight Corridor Strategy.” The buildout of hydrogen transportation fueling infrastructure complements and accelerates America’s growing hydrogen economy and meets growing market demand by targeting public investments to amplify private sector momentum in deploying zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. This infrastructure will reduce freight-related carbon emissions and improve air quality in communities heavily impacted by diesel emissions.

“FHWA is working to expand the nation’s EV charging network to guarantee that every American can reliably and accessibly fuel their trips, no matter where they live,” said Acting Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Gloria M. Shepherd. “The grants announced today will continue this important work by investing in alternative fueling infrastructure in communities, creating economic opportunities, and advancing equity in EV charging by ensuring all Americans can share the benefits of an electrified future.”