Aug
On Tuesday, the Biden admin unveiled a substantial investment of $521 million aimed at significantly enhancing the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the United States. This initiative will install over 9,200 new EV charging ports, with funds allocated strategically to both community and high-speed corridor projects.
Allocation of Funds
The Department of Energy and the Federal Highway Administration have detailed the distribution of the funds.Of the total $521 million, $321 million will fund 41 community-based projects aimed at expanding local EV charging networks. Additionally, $200 million will support 10 high-speed corridor charging projects designed to enhance long-distance travel for EV users.
The $521 million investment wisely balances community-based EV projects and high-speed corridors, boosting electric mobility nationwide, according to wall street journal login.
Local Impact Milwaukee and Atlanta
Two cities will benefit significantly from this investment. Milwaukee will get $15 million for 53 new EV chargers. This will expand the city’s network and improve accessibility for residents. Atlanta will receive $11.8 million to build a new DC Fast Charging Hub at the airport. This hub will include 50 chargers for rental vehicles, ride-share drivers, and airport shuttles.
Criticism of EV Charging Rollout
The announcement comes amidst ongoing criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of EV charging infrastructure. Despite a $5 billion initiative launched in 2021, stakeholders have voiced concerns over the slow progress. Automakers and environmental advocates argue that an expanded network of charging stations is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, which is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Current Charging Infrastructure
As of August, the U.S. had approximately 192,000 public charging ports. The number of fast-charging ports has seen a dramatic increase of 90% since the beginning of the Biden admin. The Federal Highway Administration reports that around 1,000 new public chargers are added each week. However, by June, the 2021 program had installed only seven EV-charging stations, totaling just a few dozen ports, according to Shailen Bhatt, head of the Federal Highway Administration.
Political Reactions
The slow rollout has drawn criticism from various quarters. Senator Jeff Merkley has labeled the progress as a “vast administrative failure” and is calling for immediate improvements. Shailen Bhatt voiced frustration over delays but affirmed the Federal Highway Administration’s close collaboration with states to expedite EV charging plans. Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, criticized the deployment’s pace.
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