What to do before applying for NEVI funding

Business


As the time approaches when states begin doling out electric vehicle (EV) charging funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, some c-stores could get up to 80% of certain EV charging costs reimbursed.

It’s a lot of money to help offset what can be a very expensive installation. And retailers can help make the process as smooth as possible by ensuring that they meet federal requirements, then determining their strategy for EV installation ahead of the state funding applications opening.

The NEVI program was set down by the Joe Biden Administration last year as a way to support the installation of 500,000 electric charging stations across the U.S. The program includes $7.5 billion for building out a refueling framework for vehicles running on alternative fuels, such as EVs or those using natural gas, hydrogen or propane. That $7.5 billion includes $5 billion over five years split among the states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, then an additional $2.5 billion discretionary pool with different requirements that’s not earmarked for specific states.

The Biden Administration approved funding for all 50 states along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in September, and now those states are getting ready to open up applications for businesses looking to obtain funding through the program. Some states, like California, have established rough deadlines for c-stores and other companies to apply for funding, while others have yet to do so.

“The NEVI program is attempting to develop this [direct current] fast-charging network, what I think of as a critical backbone of DC fast charging across some of the biggest, most trafficked … roadways across the country,” said Ben Shapiro, manager of the Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) Carbon-Free Mobility team, in an interview. RMI, a clean energy nonprofit, recently helped Oregon’s Department of Transportation as it developed its NEVI plan.

Shapiro said that while a significant amount of electric charging will occur at consumers’ homes, it isn’t feasible for everyone right now and won’t be sufficient for all needs. That’s why the NEVI funding was created — to build a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at publicly available locations like c-stores and shopping centers near major thoroughfares.

As states move toward opening applications, interested retailers should gather information and prepare to apply. 

Federal guidelines form the backbone of NEVI funding

Potential applicants first must ensure that they meet the federal guidelines. 

The Federal Highway Administration’s fact sheets say funds can be used for the purchase and installation or upgrade of EV charging stations. But the money can also be used for planning and development purposes like environmental review or design work, signage for EV charging locations, outreach to disadvantaged communities, data sharing and more.

Potential EV charging locations should also be able to operate reliably even in extreme temperatures and maintain a reasonable cost to consumers while not putting too much of a burden on the power grid. 

And not every location will be eligible for NEVI funding. 

“For example, the charging station must be available 24 hours a day, which is a good baseline requirement,” said Quincy Lee, founder and CEO of Electric Era, a manufacturer of AI driven battery-assisted EV chargers, in an interview. “It must be publicly available too. It can’t be in a parking garage hidden away.”

Retrieved from Francis Energy website.

 

That doesn’t mean a c-store has to be open 24 hours a day — just that the charging hardware should work even if the store is closed.

The bulk of the money is earmarked for locations along alternative fuel corridors — routes where drivers using alternative fuels can count on regular opportunities to recharge or refill. States have been submitting applications to the Federal Highway Administration since 2016 to get vital stretches of their roads designated as alternative fuel corridors. 

“Think interstates and state highways,” said Lee.



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