In pursuit of the ambitious goal of establishing 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030, the Biden-Harris administration has launched the groundbreaking Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program. This $2.5 billion initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs across the United States by providing funding opportunities for state and local governments as well as private entities to develop EV charging stations and related infrastructure.
To bridge the gaps in the existing charging network, the federal government has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the CFI grant program. This competitive grant funding is designed to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and alternative fueling projects in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas, local neighborhoods, and underserved communities. By prioritizing equitable access in urban and rural regions, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities, the program aims to foster a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system.
Proposals for the CFI grant program must be submitted by June 13, 2023, under the funding opportunity number: 693JJ323NF00004. With a significant funding commitment of up to $700 million for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, eligible applicants are encouraged to capitalize on the program’s flexibility, collaborate with state and local municipalities, and secure grants to bolster the development of electric vehicle infrastructure in their respective communities.
Eligibility, coverage, and funding details for publicly accessible EV charging
Eligible applicants for CFI grants include state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, public agencies, non-profits, private entities, and higher education institutions. Compared to NEVI funding, CFI offers more flexibility, allowing states and local municipalities to collaborate and develop proposals tailored to addressing unique needs. The CFI program and its $700 million funding are divided equally among the Corridor and Community programs.
The corridor program
The Corridor program aims to support designated fuel corridors, known as Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), which must comply with specific geographical rules. This program has no maximum award size, and the federal match covers 80% of the approved cost. Applicants must contract with private entities to acquire and install eligible infrastructure. Additionally, they must provide operating assistance for the first five years of operation, ensuring a smooth transition to independent operations.
The Corridor Program Focus Area Categories are:
• Demonstrate build-out of alternative fueling corridors
• Zero emission corridors for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
• Resiliency
The community grant program
The Community grant program encourages the development of publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure in communities. This program allows for a range of charging options, including additional fast DC charging or slower Level 2 charging, as long as the facilities are publicly accessible. Unlike the Corridor program, there are no geographical limitations for this program along the fuel corridors. Examples of eligible projects include electrifying school districts, installing charging infrastructure at shopping centers or transit centers or establishing charging hubs within the community. While it is not mandatory to contract with private entities for the Community program, it is recommended.
The Community Program Focus Areas are:
• Multi-modal hubs and shared-use fleets and services
• Urban/suburban area charging and fueling solutions
• Rural area charging and fueling solutions
• Fleet vehicles that serve and operate in communities
AMPECO’s insights on the CFI grants
AMPECO recognizes the significance of the CFI program and would like to provide additional insights regarding specific aspects. In particular, we believe the standard five-year contract period for private entities to manage and maintain the charging infrastructure may not be enough to achieve optimal financial sustainability. Drawing from our observations of utilization rates in Europe, we suggest extending the contract period in upcoming CFI calls to ten years. By doing so, network operators would have a longer timeframe to establish a sustainable business model and reach a point of breakeven, ultimately benefiting the overall success of the charging infrastructure.
We also fully endorse enabling municipal fleet charging within the CFI program. This approach provides significant benefits as it caters to the needs of government and public service fleets while allowing chargers to be accessible to the general public. By offering dual functionality, the charging infrastructure can serve both specific fleet requirements and the broader EV-driving community, leading to increased utilization and efficient use of resources.
While building-out EV charging infrastructure along alternative fueling corridors, AMPECO recommends implementing a pricing structure that allows different prices for different user groups. This flexibility in tariff structures provides benefits for both CPOs and EV drivers. CPOs can tailor pricing strategies to accommodate different user segments, such as fleet customers, individual consumers, or specific user groups. This ability to differentiate pricing based on user categories promotes fairness, optimizes revenue streams, and attracts a more extensive range of customers. For EV drivers, it offers more personalized and cost-effective charging options, improving the overall user experience and encouraging EV adoption.
AMPECO can help you submit a winning proposal
AMPECO is committed to assisting network operators in leveraging the opportunities provided by the CFI program to support communities in capturing funding and implementing effective EV charging programs. The grant application process requires a keen understanding of the federal government’s objectives. We have a proven track record of actively assisting companies in preparing their applications for various grants and funding opportunities. Thanks to our membership to the US-based non-profit Forth, our team is even better equipped to offer guidance and valuable resources, including recent reports on centering equity in charging programs, electric vehicle initiatives, and car-sharing efforts. If you are interested in optimizing your chances of securing CFI funding, our team is ready to guide you through the complexities and bureaucratic requirements.
CFI will return in 2024! So make sure to follow this space, as we will be rolling out additional resources and support in the coming months.
Discover how AMPECO can support your efforts in creating a sustainable and inclusive electric vehicle charging network that benefits communities nationwide.
