The Trump administration suspended the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a key initiative from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aimed at expanding the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The Department of Transportation (DOT) directed states to halt spending on EV charging infrastructure and rescinded existing guidance, pending a policy review.
This suspension has significant implications for the EV industry, potentially hindering efforts to alleviate “range anxiety” among consumers and slowing the adoption of electric vehicles. Automakers and EV charging companies, represented by the Electric Drive Transportation Association, have urged the DOT to promptly resume the program to prevent uncertainty for states and businesses invested in EV infrastructure.
The halt also affects major industry players like Tesla, which had received $31 million in NEVI funds. The suspension introduces uncertainty into ongoing and planned projects, underscoring the need for consistent government support in advancing EV infrastructure.
This action is part of a broader shift in federal policy under the Trump administration, which includes revoking previous goals for EV adoption and reconsidering incentives such as the $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases. These changes have raised concerns among environmental groups and industry stakeholders about the future of EV adoption and efforts to combat climate change.
