Accelerating EV Charging Deployment: A State Guide to NEVI Fund Utilization

Overview

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $5 billion over five years to states for building a nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Despite strong federal backing, many states have struggled to convert allocated funds into operational charging stations. This guide distills best practices, pitfalls, and actionable steps to help state agencies, transportation departments, and energy offices move from planning to deployment efficiently. It draws on lessons from early adopters and the most recent Sierra Club analysis, which found that while states doubled their NEVI progress in 2025, the overall pace remains far below targets.

Prerequisites

Understanding NEVI Requirements

Before diving into implementation, states must grasp the core NEVI rules: chargers must be DC fast chargers with at least 150kW per port, located every 50 miles along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), within one mile of the highway exit. Each port must be CCS-compatible, and stations must have at least four ports initially. States are responsible for developing a State EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (or equivalent) and submitting it to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

Assessing Internal Capacity

Successful NEVI execution requires cross-agency collaboration. Prerequisites include:

• Designated lead agency (e.g., DOT, energy office, or environmental agency)
• Dedicated project management staff familiar with federal grants and procurement
• Stakeholder engagement structure (utilities, private operators, local governments)
• Data tracking system for milestones, spending, and performance metrics

Funding Readiness

States must have a plan to use the 80% federal cost share effectively, requiring a 20% state or private match. Ensure budget offices are aligned and that any legislative restrictions on accepting federal funds are resolved. Identify potential matching sources early, such as state energy programs, utility investments, or private co-investments.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

1. Finalize Your Deployment Plan

Align with the Joint Office’s guidance. Your plan should prioritize AFC routes, include community engagement, detail site selection criteria, and commit to equitable access (e.g., urban and rural coverage). Tip: Overestimate timelines – Sierra Club data shows most delays stem from underestimated permitting and utility interconnection processes.

2. Issue a Competitive Solicitation

Most states use a request for proposals (RFP) to select private charging providers (e.g., ChargePoint, EVgo, Tesla). The RFP should specify:

1. Minimum station reliability (e.g., 97% uptime)
2. Open payment standards (no proprietary membership required)
3. Data reporting requirements (e.g., usage, downtime)
4. Construction timeline (typically 12–18 months)

Example: Ohio’s first NEVI RFP awarded $5.2 million to a provider for 13 sites, with a 6-month construction target – a benchmark many states now emulate.

3. Streamline Permitting and Utility Coordination

Permitting is the #1 bottleneck. Establish a single point of contact in your agency for all NEVI permit applications. Work with utilities early to assess transformer capacity and upgrade costs. Some states create pre-approved site plans for typical setups (e.g., four 150kW chargers with a 2MVA transformer) to reduce review time. See common mistakes below.

4. Monitor Construction and Commissioning

After contract award, require monthly progress reports. Use a standard checklist: foundation poured, conduit laid, equipment delivered, utility interconnection tested. Commissioning includes verifying charging speeds, payment systems, and network connectivity. Schedule a joint inspection with the contractor and utility before opening.

5. Track and Report Milestones

The Joint Office requires quarterly reports on obligated funds, stations under construction, and operational stations. Develop a dashboard using tools like Tableau or Power BI to visualize progress. Key metrics:

• % of NEVI funding obligated
• % of planned sites with permitting complete
• Average time from RFP to station operation
• Charger uptime (target >95%)

6. Scale to Less Traveled Corridors

Once major AFCs are covered, direct remaining funds to underserved areas. Use data from your dashboard to identify gaps – the Sierra Club analysis noted that states with diversified site distribution (urban, suburban, rural) had faster overall deployment because they mitigated risk of delays concentrated in one corridor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overly Complex RFPs

Some states write RFPs with dozens of superfluous requirements (e.g., requiring proprietary charging protocols, unrealistic uptime penalties without reasonable benchmarks). This scares away small bidders and slows procurement. Instead, use templates from the Joint Office and adjust only for state-specific needs.

Ignoring Utility Interconnection Timelines

Utility upgrades can take 6–18 months. Failing to initiate interconnection requests during the RFP phase leads to stalled projects. Coordinate with utilities before the solicitation is even published; some states require a utility pre-approval letter as part of the bid package.

Underestimating Site Host Engagement

Site hosts (e.g., gas stations, shopping centers) may be reluctant to sign long-term leases or may demand higher rents once they see the funding. Have standard lease templates ready and educate hosts on the business case: foot traffic and ancillary revenue.

Neglecting Maintenance Plans

NEVI requires 5 years of operations and maintenance. States that award contracts without a clear maintenance plan – including software updates, hardware repairs, and snow removal – risk stations being non-operational. Require a detailed maintenance schedule and a 24/7 call center for driver support.

Fragmented Communication

Multiple agencies (DOT, energy, environment) often work in silos. Establish a weekly cross-agency task force with a shared project management tool (e.g., Asana or Jira). Clear communication prevents duplication of work and ensures permitting and funding approvals align.

Summary

State deployment of NEVI funds has doubled in the past year, yet the overall pace remains insufficient to meet national electrification goals. By following a structured approach – finalizing a robust plan, streamlining procurement, tackling permitting early, and monitoring metrics closely – states can reduce delays and maximize the impact of federal dollars. Avoiding common pitfalls like complex RFPs and under-planned utility coordination will further accelerate timelines. The goal is not just to spend the money, but to build a reliable, equitable, and future-proof EV charging network that serves all drivers.