National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program — Regulatory Proposal Summary
The **National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program** was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58) to provide formula funding to U.S. states and territories for the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. A proposed rule published on June 22, 2022, outlined minimum standards and requirements for projects funded under the NEVI program as directed by Congress. The rulemaking would implement these requirements through regulations codified at 23 CFR Part 680.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
1. Legislative and Program Background
The NEVI Formula Program is part of a broader federal effort to accelerate EV charging infrastructure nationwide, aiming to support EV adoption, reduce greenhouse emissions, and promote a reliable national network of publicly accessible charging stations. Funding under NEVI is distributed by formula to states and requires the development of state EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans that align with federal standards.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Purpose of the Proposed Regulation
A key statutory requirement of the NEVI program is that the FHWA establish **minimum standards and requirements** for funded projects to ensure a consistent and reliable national EV charging network. The June 2022 notice proposed regulatory language designed to meet this directive.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The proposal addressed six primary areas where uniform standards are needed to reduce variability in charging infrastructure quality, interoperability, and user experience across states and jurisdictions.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
3. Proposed Requirements and Standards
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
The proposal included minimum criteria for the **installation and ongoing maintenance** of EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Important elements include technician qualifications, equipment certification, safety requirements, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure chargers remain operational and safe throughout their service life.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Interoperability
NEVI-funded chargers would be required to support **interoperable protocols** to enable a seamless user experience across networks. Standards such as Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and ISO communication frameworks like ISO 15118 were referenced as models for charger-to-network and charger-to-vehicle interoperability.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Signs and Traffic Control Devices
The proposal would require appropriate **traffic control devices and on-premises signage** to be installed in line with national transportation standards, facilitating driver navigation and safety at NEVI-funded charging locations.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Data Reporting and Formats
States and infrastructure operators would be subject to specific **data reporting requirements** — including submission frequency and standard data formats — to ensure monitoring of charger performance, availability, reliability, and utilization. Data would support transparency and enable mapping and real-time status reporting to EV drivers.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Network Connectivity
Projects would be expected to support robust network connectivity, enabling remote monitoring, diagnostics, and software updates necessary for reliable long-term operations.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Public Information and Accessibility
The proposal included requirements for publicly available information regarding charging station locations, pricing, real-time availability, and accessibility attributes to be shared through national mapping applications and traveler information systems.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
4. Definitions and Applicability
The proposed regulatory text clarified the applicability of NEVI standards to publicly accessible EV charging facilities funded by federal assistance under Title 23 of the U.S. Code. Definitions for terms such as “charging station,” “qualified technician,” and “network connectivity” were included to provide legal precision for compliance and enforcement.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
5. Public Comments and Next Steps
The proposal solicited public comment through August 22, 2022. FHWA received comments from a broad range of stakeholders including EVSE manufacturers, state transportation agencies, utility partners, and industry associations. These comments informed the development of the later 2023 Final Rule establishing standards in 23 CFR Part 680.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
6. Impact on Deployment and Industry
The proposed NEVI formula standards aimed to harmonize EV charging deployment across state lines and enable a predictable, reliable network that supports interstate travel by light and heavy electric vehicles, improves public confidence in EV infrastructure, and provides clear criteria for federal funding eligibility.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
