Senate Pushes for Restart of $5 Billion Electric Vehicle Charger Program

The Senate has taken a significant step toward reviving a $5 billion electric vehicle (EV) charger program that was suspended earlier this year. The fiscal 2026 funding bill for transportation programs, approved 27-1 on Thursday, directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue updated draft guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) within 30 days of the legislation’s enactment. DOT must then finalize the guidance no more than four months after the bill becomes law.
The program, halted by the Trump administration in February, requires states to submit approved plans aligning with existing guidance to access funding. However, the suspension left previously submitted state plans in limbo, delaying the rollout of critical EV infrastructure. The Senate’s action aims to resolve this impasse and accelerate the deployment of charging networks across the country.
DOT did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the legislation. The move comes as policymakers increasingly prioritize expanding EV infrastructure to support the transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The bill’s provisions reflect growing bipartisan recognition of the need for robust EV infrastructure to meet rising demand and support the broader energy transformation.

Published: 7/26/2025