In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has halted the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States. This suspension affects state plans for deploying EV infrastructure and has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and policymakers.
Details of the Suspension
On February 6, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a directive to state Departments of Transportation, rescinding previous guidance on the NEVI program and suspending approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans. The FHWA stated that the Department of Transportation’s new leadership seeks to review the policies underlying the program’s implementation. Until updated guidance is issued and new state plans are submitted and approved, no new obligations under the NEVI program are permitted.
Impact on State Initiatives
The suspension has immediate implications for states that had allocated NEVI funds for EV infrastructure projects. For instance, Pennsylvania, which had earmarked $171.5 million between 2022 and 2026 for EV charging development, must now halt its plans. This includes $4.1 million designated for Allegheny County’s EV chargers. Similarly, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation has suspended its EV charger initiative due to the funding freeze.
Federal and Industry Response
The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. More than two dozen members of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have urged the administration to lift the suspension, emphasizing the importance of EV infrastructure for environmental and economic progress.
Industry experts warn that the funding pause could hinder the adoption of electric vehicles by exacerbating “range anxiety” among potential EV buyers. The lack of a robust charging network may deter consumers from transitioning to electric vehicles, potentially slowing the country’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Legal and Future Implications
Legal experts contend that the executive branch may lack the authority to unilaterally suspend funds appropriated by Congress, suggesting potential legal challenges to the administration’s action. The Transportation Department has indicated plans to release updated program guidelines in the spring, but until then, the future of the NEVI program and the broader EV infrastructure expansion remains uncertain.
This policy reversal underscores the dynamic and often contentious nature of energy and environmental policy in the United States, highlighting the challenges in achieving a cohesive national strategy for EV adoption and infrastructure development.
