Biden-Harris Administration Invests $46.5 Million to Supercharge Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

In a significant move towards advancing clean transportation and creating job opportunities, the Biden-Harris Administration has just announced a whopping $46.5 million investment. This funding will be distributed across 30 projects in 16 states and Washington, D.C. The primary goal is to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging performance, ensure resiliency, promote reliability, and foster equitable access to clean transportation solutions. Let's dive into the details of this game-changing initiative.

Driving Towards a Greener Future

With the number of EVs on American roads quadrupling since President Biden took office, these investments are a crucial part of the administration's ambitious plan to establish a national network of 500,000 public EV charging ports by 2030. The ultimate aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This funding aligns with President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, supporting the construction of an affordable and reliable EV charging infrastructure built by American workers.

Building the Future, Empowering Communities

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasizes how this funding propels the nation forward towards an equitable clean transportation future. It not only energizes local economies but also builds more resilient communities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg underlines the administration's focus on securing America's victory in the EV race. These funds play a crucial role in growing the new automotive economy, generating jobs and benefits for American workers.

Game-Changing Projects Nationwide

Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, expresses pride in funding these game-changing clean transportation projects. The investments are strategically designed to meet unique local needs, create well-paying jobs, innovate new business models, and make electric transportation accessible to everyone.

Key Areas of Investment

The $46.5 million investment, executed by the Joint Office, targets areas requiring critical attention:

1. EV Charging Resiliency: With the acceleration of transportation electrification, ensuring resilient EV charging infrastructure for all users is a top priority.

2. Community-Driven Models and Workforce Development: Installing EV chargers in or near underserved communities and creating novel business models prioritize energy justice, providing equitable access to clean transportation options.

3. EV Charging Performance and Reliability: Increasing capacity for testing and certifying high-power EV chargers will enable a high-quality, safe, and reliable charging experience for all EV drivers.

Greening America, One Project at a Time

These projects extend beyond urban areas to include rural, tribal, and underserved communities. They support clean transit and school bus deployment, enhance charger resiliency to natural disasters, and accelerate workforce development programs. Complementary funding from other federal programs creates a multiplier effect, ensuring community success.

Spurring Private Sector Investments

This funding is part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at accelerating the electrification of the nation's transportation sector and encouraging private sector investments in clean transportation. Today's awards will increase the reliability of chargers, advance new business models, and create job opportunities, driving the nation towards a greener, more sustainable future.