The Biden administration on Wednesday announced a new program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that aims to expand the infrastructure needed to keep electric vehicles charged.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways:
- The Department of Transportation is set to finalize standards for EV charging stations that "will ensure everyone can use the network, no matter what car you drive or which state you drive in."
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) outlined its final plan for mandating that all EV chargers funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law must be built in the U.S., including "final assembly and all manufacturing processes for any iron or steel charger enclosures or housing."
- The Department of Energy announced $7.5 million in funding for seven EV charging and hydrogen projects across 23 states.
The White House also highlighted actions from several companies to help expand access to EV chargers, including Tesla's decision to open at least 7,500 stations in its U.S. Supercharger and Destination Charger network to non-Tesla vehicles by the end of 2024.
"All EV drivers will be able to access these stations using the Tesla app or website," the White House said in a statement. "Additionally, Tesla will more than double its full nationwide network of Superchargers, manufactured in Buffalo, New York."
Hertz and bp, meanwhile, plan to build a national network of fast-charging stations designed to serve rideshare, tax drivers, car rental customers, and the general public near "high-demand locations, such as airports."
The White House also championed efforts by companies such as General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Cars, and Starbucks to expand the EV charging network.
The administration said all of these initiatives support President Joe Biden's goal of making electric vehicles 50 percent of all auto sales by 2030. In 2022, they made up about 10 percent of all sales.
