Only 8 EV charging stations operating under $5 billion U.S. program

Only 8 EV charging stations operating under $5 billion U.S. program The federal government committed billions of dollars to a program that would help states create a network of charging stations in 50-mile intervals along interstates. More than two years later, only eight stations are open. They are in just six states, even though the program is intended to be national. The single-digit tallies look like staggeringly slow progress for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which is dedicating $5 billion over five years. It underscores the complexity of constructing a nationwide fueling infrastructure led by states. There is no uniform way to build it. Like America's electricity grid, the EV charger deployment process is fragmented. It is a federal program, but states decide how to distribute the funds they get from Washington. Companies that win funds through the program can't employ an efficient cookie-cutter strategy nationally because state regulators and utility companies have unique sets of rules. And they must work with a patchwork of private and public utilities by region. Each of these companies has its own grid, electric vehicle charging program and operational plan. Twenty-three states have begun doling out National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure awards, according to EVAdoption data through May 28. Ten have closed the first round of applications; one is open for applications; 10 have a tentative start date for accepting applications; and six have not provided an application timeline. Colorado, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania are among the fastest-moving states. Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming are the slowest. A two-year gap between when states apply for the funds and a station opens is typical, said Loren McDonald, CEO of EVAdoption. That timeline inevitably delays station construction and is one reason just a handful of stations are operational. — Hannah Lutz Read the full story here. What you need to know

Only 8 EV charging stations operating under $5 billion U.S. program

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