Why is the NEVI program restarting in 2026?

The NEVI program is restarting in 2026 because updated federal guidance released in August 2025 removed earlier restrictions, allowed states to re-submit plans more easily, and unfroze paused funding so projects could resume.

What are the major policy changes in the updated NEVI guidance?

Key updates include allowing states more flexibility on station spacing, enabling NEVI funds to be used on any public road once corridors are built out, eliminating earlier community-engagement mandates, and speeding up approval timelines.

How much progress has been made on NEVI charging stations so far?

As of late 2025, only about 56–57 NEVI-funded stations were operational across 15 states, but many more are now under construction or returning to procurement following the program reboot.

How does the shift to the NACS charging standard affect NEVI stations?

Automakers like Stellantis and Volkswagen adopting the NACS standard will expand access to Tesla's Supercharger network beginning in 2026, improving charging reliability and compatibility across EVs.

How many fast-charging ports are expected by 2026?

Federal estimates suggest the United States could reach around 100,000 public fast-charging ports by 2026, with millions more Level 2 and private chargers expected by the end of the decade.

NEVI Charging Network Reboots in 2026

Q: What percentage of NEVI project costs does the program cover?

NEVI funding covers up to 80 percent of project costs, with states or private partners supplying the remaining 20 percent.

Charging Infrastructure Gets a Reboot

The NEVI program is restarting in 2026 after updated guidance was released in August 2025, allowing states to unfreeze funding and resubmit plans. Key changes include increased state flexibility on station spacing along corridors, the ability to build stations on any public road once corridors are complete, and faster approval processes. Many states are now in the process of re-issuing RFPs or resuming previously paused projects for 2026.

Key Updates

Policy Shifts and Program Relaunch: The NEVI program, which provides $5 billion in America to individual states for highway charging infrastructure, was paused in February 2025 by the administration pending a review. New, streamlined guidance was released in August 2025, which removed several prior requirements (such as specific proximity rules between stations or community engagement mandates) to speed up deployment. States were required to resubmit their plans under these new rules.

Progress on the Ground: As of late 2025, progress is varied by state. While initial deployment was slow, with only about 56-57 NEVI-funded stations operational across 15 states as of early 2025, more are now under construction or in the planning stages.

States like Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho are moving forward with their plans after the federal pause was lifted and their revised plans were reapproved. For instance, Oregon expects its first NEVI stations to be operational in early 2026.

Private sector deployment continues at a steady clip, with companies like Electrify America and the GM/EVgo/Pilot Flying J partnership expanding their networks independent of NEVI funding.

Industry Standardization: Major automakers, including Stellantis and Volkswagen, are increasingly adopting the North American Charging System (NACS) EV charging plugs used by Tesla, which is expected to expand access to the Tesla Supercharger network for a wider range of EVs starting in 2026. This move is seen as an excellent way to improve reliability and convenience for consumers.

Total Numbers: As of late 2025, the U.S. has over 81,000 charging stations with more than 250,000 individual charging ports in total nationwide, a 17 percent jump in stations since the beginning of the year.

Key developments for 2026

The national deployment for NEVI charging stations is a mix of federal, state, and private initiatives, with federal changes aimed at making the process faster, though the long-term impact and political support for the program remain the subjects of some debate. 

Faster Approvals: States now have 30 days to resubmit their plans after the new guidance, which means more funds and projects are expected to move forward very quickly in 2026.

Increased Flexibility: States can now determine the appropriate distance between stations on highways, rather than being locked into a 50-mile limit.

Expanded Reach: Once a state has a fully developed Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) network, it can use NEVI funds for EV charger installation on other public roads statewide.

Project Resumption: States are in the process of resuming and re-awarding projects that were paused.

State-Level Updates: Many state-specific NEVI programs are actively working on new plans and solicitations. Examples include Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Washington, which are all moving forward with their updated plans for 2026.

The NEVI program will continue to fund up to 80 percent of project costs, with states or private partners contributing the remaining 20 percent. 

In the United States, it is projected that there could be around 100,000 public fast charging ports by 2027, a number likely to be achieved by or before 2026, but the total number of public and private stations is much higher, with one forecast for 2030 showing 35 million total charge points, a mix of home, public, and private Level 2 and DC fast chargers.

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