Arkansas Trucking Association

Ground rules for EV groundwork

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has proposed minimum standards and requirements for projects funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which provides nearly $5 billion over the next five years.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said these ground rules will help create a network of EV chargers that are convenient, affordable, reliable and accessible, saying, "to support the transition to electric vehicles, we must build a national charging network that makes finding a charge as easy as filling up at a gas station."

Among the list of standardized requirements are a minimum number charging stations, type of chargers capable of supporting fast charging, payment methods and consistency regarding the installation, operation and maintenance of NEVI Formula Program projects to provide the traveling public with a consistent charging experience.

Additionally, the FHWA wants consistent communication to consumers on price and availability of each charging station to help consumers make informed decisions about trip planning and when and where to charge EVs.