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Updated February 2023

In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), which provides $1.2 trillion for roads, bridges, mass transit, and other projects through 2026. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is part of that bill and provides $5 billion in funding to help build a coast-to-coast network of direct current (DC) fast chargers. All 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico are participating in the NEVI program, which will electrify more than 75,000 miles of the national highway system.

What are the NEVI requirements for charging infrastructure?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced new national standards for federally funded EV chargers on February 15, 2023. These standards define requirements for connector types, payment methods, data privacy, speed and power of chargers, reliability, and the overall charging experience.

Here are some general standards for the public charging network built with NEVI funding:

Buy America Requirements

In addition, chargers purchased and installed with NEVI and Discretionary Grants funds must meet FHWA Buy America standards, which ensure key components are made in America and chargers are assembled in America. Buy America standards include:

Lastly, the FHWA and the Biden administration are encouraging manufacturers and installers to work with the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP). Through the White House Talent Pipeline Challenge (Tritium is a participant), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has certified 20,000 electricians through EVITP.

Are there other NEVI requirements for charging infrastructure?

The FHWA and US Department of Transportation have posted a final rule that establishes regulations setting minimum standards and requirements for NEVI-funded charging sites. These requirements cover everything from installation to data connections. The full list can be found on the US government website here, but here are some of the most important requirements:

Altogether, the vast network of charging sites will be able to charge millions of EVs and help move the US to a cleaner, electrified future. “A century ago, America ushered in the modern automotive era; now America must lead the electric vehicle revolution,” said US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at a press event. “The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us win the EV race by working with states, labor, and the private sector to deploy a historic nationwide charging network that will make EV charging accessible for more Americans.”

According to consulting firm The Brattle Group, there could be as many as 35 million EVs in the US by 2030, and those vehicles will need up to 2 million public chargers. NEVI will give states the funds to purchase and install those chargers, but it’s up to the EV charging industry to build and install them.

Tritium is opening a manufacturing facility in Tennessee that is expected to be capable of producing more than 10,000 DC fast chargers per year, with the potential to produce about 30,000 units per year at peak capacity. The facility will employ more than 500 people over the next five years and chargers produced in the facility should meet FWHA Buy America requirements starting in the first quarter of 2023.

How does Tritium meet NEVI requirements?

Tritium’s current NEVI solution consists of four PKM150 150kW chargers with two power rectifier units. The chargers deliver 150kW of power to four EVs simultaneously through a reliable, easily upgradeable on-site charging infrastructure.

Tritium’s current NEVI solution: Four PKM150 chargers with two rectifier units.

Thanks to multiple chargers and power rectifier units, the Tritium NEVI solution provides backup charging power for higher reliability and site uptime.

PKM150 NEVI-Compliant Features

Navigating NEVI

Many US states will start receiving NEVI funds in Q4 2022 and they’ll be looking for NEVI-compliant charging solutions. Whether you’re a state agency, EV charger reseller, charger installer, or charging site planner, you’ll need help navigating NEVI requirements. Reach out to our experts to learn more about building and deploying NEVI-compliant DC fast charging sites.

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