NEVI Funding Guide 2026 — How to Get Federal EV Charging Grants
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is one of the largest federal investments in EV charging infrastructure in U.S. history, with $5 billion allocated over five years to expand EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) across the country.
Whether you're a State Department of Transportation (DOT), developer, business owner, utility company, or local government, this guide explains everything you need to know about NEVI funding, including eligibility requirements, technical standards, the application process, and how to source NEVI-compliant charging equipment.
What Is NEVI and Who Can Apply?
The NEVI Formula Program distributes funding to individual states based on the total lane miles of Interstate highways.
Each state receives an annual funding allocation and administers its own grant program through its State Department of Transportation (DOT) or another designated agency.
Eligible applicants often include:
Private businesses
Retailers
Gas stations
Commercial developers
Local governments
Utility companies
Public agencies
States have flexibility in how they distribute funding and may offer:
Direct grants
Reimbursement programs
Competitive funding opportunities (RFPs)
Since every state operates its own program, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and application deadlines may vary.
Tip: Visit your State DOT website or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) NEVI resources page to find your state's current funding opportunities and application status.
NEVI Technical Requirements — What Your Chargers Must Do
To qualify for NEVI funding, charging stations must comply with strict Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) technical standards.
Location Requirements
Your charging station must:
Be located within 1 mile of an FHWA-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC)
Be positioned so that charging stations are no more than 50 miles apart along designated corridors
Hardware Requirements
Every NEVI-funded charging station must include:
Minimum 150 kW DC Fast Charging per charging port
At least 4 charging ports per station (150 kW minimum each)
CCS (SAE J1772 Combo) connectors (with NACS becoming increasingly accepted)
Compatibility with all CCS-enabled electric vehicles
Charging that can begin without requiring network membership
Network & Payment Requirements
Chargers must support:
Real-time reporting to State DOT and FHWA
Credit and debit card payments directly at the charger
Charging without requiring a mobile app
Display of the price per kWh before charging begins
OCPP 2.0 network connectivity
Uptime Requirements
Charging stations must provide:
Minimum 97% operational uptime
Real-time uptime monitoring and reporting
Some states may require higher uptime standards.
Accessibility Requirements
Every NEVI-funded charging location must be:
ADA accessible
Located in well-lit public areas
Easily accessible for all EV drivers
NEVI Application Process — Step by Step
Step 1 — Check Your State's Program Status
Visit your State DOT website to determine:
Whether applications are currently open
Current Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities
Application deadlines
Funding priorities
Some states accept rolling applications, while others release funding opportunities periodically.
Step 2 — Confirm Site Eligibility
Before preparing your application, verify that your proposed charging location qualifies.
Your site must:
Be located within 1 mile of an FHWA-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC)
The FHWA Alternative Fuel Corridor Map can help verify your site's eligibility.
Step 3 — Develop Your Technical Plan
Most NEVI applications require:
Site layout and parking plan
Electrical engineering drawings
Equipment specifications
Network connectivity plan
Project budget
Installation timeline
Verdek can assist by providing:
Equipment specifications
Pricing documentation
Technical guidance
Product compliance information
Step 4 — Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted directly to your State DOT.
Projects are commonly evaluated based on:
Site location
Project readiness
Accessibility
Service to underserved communities
Cost effectiveness
Technical compliance
Step 5 — Equipment Procurement
If your project receives funding, your state will typically require competitive procurement for charging equipment.
Verdek can respond to procurement requests through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing, simplifying purchasing while remaining compliant with competitive bidding requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private business apply for NEVI funding?
Yes.
In many states, private businesses—including gas stations, retailers, commercial developers, and property owners—are eligible to apply for NEVI funding through their State DOT's grant program.
Eligibility requirements vary by state, so always review your local program guidelines.
Does NEVI funding cover the full cost of installation?
Typically, NEVI funding covers up to 80% of eligible project costs, with applicants contributing the remaining 20%.
Some states offer additional flexibility or supplemental funding programs that can reduce the required match.
How long does the NEVI funding process take?
From application submission to equipment procurement, most projects take approximately 6–18 months.
The timeline depends on factors such as:
State review schedules
Utility coordination
Site readiness
Equipment procurement
Project complexity
Can Verdek help with the NEVI application?
Yes.
Verdek can support your project by providing:
Equipment specifications
Pricing documentation
Technical guidance
Product compliance information
Once funding has been awarded, Verdek also works with State DOT grantees during procurement, equipment supply, and project deployment.
