The Biden administration’s sudden freeze on federal EV charging infrastructure funding has sparked immediate pushback from automakers and industry groups.
The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is pushing back against the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to halt the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The group — which represents major automakers like Ford, GM, and Toyota — called the program essential for U.S. innovation and energy security.
“We urge the Administration to quickly resume the critical work of the program and minimize uncertainty for states and their businesses,” the EDTA said in a statement first reported by Reuters.
The DOT’s freeze affects new projects under the $7.5 billion federal initiative aimed at building 500,000 EV chargers nationwide. While previously approved projects can continue, states must now wait for revised guidelines before submitting new plans.
This creates particular challenges for Ionna, the new charging network backed by several major automakers. The company’s ambitious goal of installing 30,000 chargers by 2030 partly relied on NEVI funding.
The timing raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Tesla has already secured numerous NEVI contracts, while CEO Elon Musk maintains close ties to the Trump administration as an unofficial advisor.
The EDTA’s membership includes six major automakers — Ford, General Motors, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Stellantis, and Toyota — along with charging networks and other stakeholders like Walmart. The group’s statement reflects growing concern about disruption to EV infrastructure plans that were just gaining momentum.
States had been developing detailed funding proposals under the original NEVI framework. The requirement to submit new plans once revised guidance is issued will likely cause significant delays, even though the underlying funding remains intact.
The financial uncertainty poses particular risks for charging companies that had incorporated NEVI support into their business models. Many had already begun preliminary work based on the program’s original guidelines.
Despite these setbacks, previously approved projects can proceed. However, the freeze’s duration and the nature of forthcoming changes to the program remain unclear.
