The convenience store industry has been closely watching events in Washington related to the Infrastructure bill and EV charging. The recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through a National Electric Vehicle Formula Program (EV Charging Program). This program provides funding to States to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. Funds from the EV Charging Program can be used not only to acquire and install EV charging infrastructure, but also to operate and maintain the charging infrastructure, and to facilitate data sharing. Under the EV Charging Program, any EV charging infrastructure acquired or installed with program funds must be located along a designated alternative fuel corridor.
The law also establishes a discretionary grant program (Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program) to strategically deploy publically accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along alternative fuel corridors, along rural corridors, and in underserved or disadvantaged communities.
The law directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), to develop guidance for both programs. On November 29, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited public comments to inform the development of the guidance. FHWA is especially interested in comments suggesting ways that the guidance could promote equity in the deployment of EV charging infrastructure under these programs. Furthermore, FHWA requests guidance on twelve statutory considerations for the EV Charging Program. The notice as it appears in the Federal Register is here. Go here to comment. The deadline for receipt of comments is January 28, 2022.
We will continue to monitor these EV charger activities and keep you up to date as to any finding which impact our industry.