FULLY BUILT OUT (BUT WHY FREE?) NEVI PROGRESS UPDATE JULY 2024

EV Channels Review

This NEVI Progress Update for July 2024 highlights the varying stages of electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment across the United States. Rhode Island has achieved full build-out with the opening of two park-and-ride sites, though the free charging at these locations has led to 'campers' occupying stalls for extended periods, even when not actively charging at high rates. This situation, particularly with ride-share drivers, is seen as a potential issue for efficient utilization of the high-power 320kW chargers. Maryland and Minnesota have announced significant numbers of new sites, with Maryland's timeline from RFP to conditional awards taking approximately six months. The update contrasts the pace of NEVI funding with private installations, citing a Circle K NEVI site in Kentucky that is still not activated six months after groundbreaking, while a nearby private Mercedes-Benz high-power charger and Tesla Supercharger were operational much sooner. The review suggests potential bureaucratic hurdles within the NEVI program may be slowing down deployment in some cases. Overall, 15 federally funded stations are now open across eight states, with nearly 600 stations awarded and awaiting construction.