In a significant move towards a more sustainable future, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is rolling out the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Funding Program. This initiative, a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is poised to usher in a new era of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Virginia. With an allocation of up to $100 million over five years, this program is set to transform the state’s EV charging landscape, making it more convenient and accessible for all EV users.
Funding Allocation
Under the NEVI Formula Funding Program, VDOT is seeking partnerships with entities interested in establishing, operating, and maintaining EV charging stations along Virginia’s Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). The program offers awards that cover up to 80% of the total project costs, with a maximum award capped at $1,000,000 per NEVI-compliant charging station. This includes both the installation and the operational aspects of the charging station for a minimum of five years from the station’s initial operation.
NEVI Formula Funding Program Overview
The NEVI program, a result of the IIJA, is aimed at accelerating the deployment of EV charging stations across the nation. The goal is to establish a convenient and equitable charging experience for all users while striving towards a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. Virginia is poised to receive approximately $100 million over five years as part of this initiative. To align with the program’s objectives, Virginia’s Deployment Plan prioritizes funding for EV charging stations along AFCs within the interstate highway system.
Program goals
Virginia’s NEVI program aligns with three primary goals
- Close Charging Gaps: The program’s focus is on achieving fully built-out status for existing AFCs within five years, while also identifying corridors of statewide significance for future expansion.
- Maintain Reliability and Connectivity: Establishing strict standards for measuring and reporting charging station uptime and performance is crucial to ensuring a reliable and convenient charging experience.
- Ensure Equitable Access: The program aims to deploy charging stations across various communities, including urban, suburban, rural, and disadvantaged areas, ensuring that all Virginians have access to EV charging infrastructure.
Eligibility and Application
Entities that meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for the NEVI program:
- Applicant Types: The program is open to various legal entities, including corporations, partnerships, government entities, and Tribal Organizations operating within Virginia.
- Site Hosting: Applicants must have the capacity to host publicly-accessible Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) equipment.
- Compliance: Adhering to NEVI Formula Program and VDOT requirements is essential.
- Operation and Maintenance: Applicants must commit to operating and maintaining publicly-accessible DCFC equipment for a minimum of five years.
- Funding Match: To ensure commitment, applicants are required to provide a non-federal funding match of 20% and cover any additional costs beyond the maximum award.
Virginia’s NEVI program represents a remarkable leap forward in the state’s journey towards a cleaner and greener transportation future. With substantial funding, strategic deployment plans, and a strong focus on accessibility and reliability, the program holds the potential to revolutionize Virginia’s EV charging landscape. As electric mobility gains momentum, the state is taking a proactive stance in fostering a sustainable and convenient charging network, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem for all Virginians.
- The Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot (or “SCIP”) Program provides rebates for qualifying EV charging stations, charging infrastructure and installation, commonly referred to as “make-ready,” and network fees up to $36,000 and more. Type: public, DL: no deadline
- Dominion Energy’s Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot (or “SCIP”) Program provides rebates for qualifying business customers to purchase EV charging stations, charging infrastructure and installation services, commonly referred to as “make-ready,” and network fees up to $36,000 and more. Type: commercial, DL: no deadline
