Trump Administration Suspends Federal NEVI EV Charger Program, Creating Uncertainty for National Charging Infrastructure

In a major policy shift, the Trump administration has suspended the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, halting new funding for federally supported EV charging stations across the country. The NEVI program, a $5 billion initiative established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was designed to expand the national EV charging network and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a directive instructing states to cease all new obligations under the NEVI Formula Program, leaving state agencies, automakers, and charging providers uncertain about the future of EV infrastructure expansion in the United States.

The memo from the FHWA reads:

Therefore, effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance is issued and new State plans are submitted and approved. Instructions for the submission of new State plans for all fiscal years will be included in the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance. Since FHWA is suspending the existing State plans, States will be held harmless for not implementing their existing plans. Until new guidance is issued, reimbursement of existing obligations will be allowed in order to not disrupt current financial commitments.

The memo issued by the FHWA states that effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until updated program guidance is issued and new state plans are submitted and approved. The directive also rescinds previous guidance, meaning that all existing state plans are now considered invalid. While states are being instructed to pause new projects, reimbursements for existing obligations will continue to prevent disruption to ongoing financial commitments.

This decision marks a major reversal in federal EV policy. Under the Biden administration, NEVI funds were being distributed to states to build high-speed EV charging stations along major highways and in underserved areas. The funding was intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage EV adoption by ensuring reliable charging access nationwide. States had already received approval for multi-year EV infrastructure deployment plans, but the FHWA’s announcement effectively freezes the program and prevents the approval of any new projects.

Legal and Financial Uncertainty Surrounds the Decision

The suspension of NEVI funding raises legal questions regarding whether the administration has the authority to unilaterally halt a program that has already been funded by Congress. Under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the executive branch is prohibited from withholding or defunding programs that Congress has already approved. Legal experts suggest that suspending NEVI could lead to court challenges over whether the administration has overstepped its authority.

The financial impact of this decision is also a major concern. Many states had already planned charging projects based on NEVI funding and were in the process of awarding contracts to infrastructure developers and charging network operators. Automakers and EV infrastructure companies that had been counting on these funds to expand their charging networks may now face significant delays or even project cancellations. Smaller charging companies, which rely on federal grants to compete with larger networks such as Tesla’s Supercharger system, could struggle to survive without continued financial support.

Impact on EV Adoption and Charging Infrastructure

The decision to suspend NEVI funding comes at a critical moment for EV adoption in the United States. A widespread and accessible charging network is one of the key factors influencing consumer confidence in transitioning to electric vehicles. Without continued funding for new charging stations, the federal government risks slowing down EV adoption rates, particularly in rural areas and highway corridors where public charging access remains limited. Many potential EV buyers cite concerns about charging availability as a primary reason for delaying their switch from gasoline-powered vehicles.

The suspension also complicates state-level efforts to meet federal emissions reduction targets. Several states had integrated NEVI-funded chargers into their clean energy policies, expecting that these stations would be deployed in the next few years to support growing EV adoption. Without continued federal support, some states may struggle to meet their EV adoption goals, forcing them to explore alternative funding sources or scale back planned infrastructure projects.

Reaction from Automakers and Charging Networks

The decision to pause NEVI funding has drawn criticism from automakers, charging companies, and clean energy advocates who argue that it will slow progress toward a nationwide EV charging network. Tesla, General Motors, Ford, and other manufacturers have invested billions of dollars in EV production under the assumption that charging infrastructure would continue expanding. The suspension of NEVI funding creates uncertainty for their expansion plans and may discourage further investment in domestic EV manufacturing.

Charging network operators, including Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint, are also affected. Many of these companies had received NEVI grants to install new fast-charging stations across the country. With federal funds now frozen, some of these planned projects may be delayed indefinitely, reducing access to public fast chargers and negatively impacting EV drivers who depend on these networks for long-distance travel.

Future of Federal EV Policy Under the Trump Administration

The suspension of NEVI funding is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scale back federal support for electric vehicles and clean energy initiatives. In addition to halting charging infrastructure investments, the administration has indicated that it may also review and potentially eliminate other EV incentives, such as the federal EV tax credit and emissions regulations designed to encourage automakers to prioritize electrification.

The future of EV infrastructure development now depends on several key factors, including whether Congress takes action to protect NEVI funding, whether states step in with alternative funding sources, and whether automakers and private companies find ways to fill the gap left by federal inaction.

Despite the federal funding freeze, demand for EVs and charging stations remains high, and some states may continue with infrastructure expansion independently. Public-private partnerships may also play an increasing role in ensuring that EV charging networks continue to grow despite the lack of federal support.

What Comes Next?

The suspension of the NEVI program marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to EV infrastructure, creating challenges for state agencies, automakers, and charging providers. The long-term impact will depend on whether the administration decides to fully cancel the program, modify it, or reinstate funding under new conditions.

For now, states and private sector partners must reassess their EV charging plans, while legal and political battles over the future of federal EV funding seem increasingly likely. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. EV market can continue growing at the necessary pace to support mass adoption, or whether the suspension of NEVI will become a major roadblock in the country’s transition to electrification.

At Charged Up!, we are committed to keeping businesses and individuals informed about the evolving EV landscape. For more updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter at chargeduppro.com/subscribe.