NDOT's Electric Vehicle Plan
Reliable Access for EV Travel and Commerce
Nebraska’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is designed to keep drivers moving efficiently and reliably, whether traveling for work, family, or commerce. Expanding the EV charging network helps businesses by facilitating deliveries and supporting tourism along major corridors. It also provides economic benefits for all travelers by offering convenient access to EV charging, reducing downtime, and making long-distance trips across the state practical and predictable.
EV Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Nebraska is also preparing drivers and first responders for the transition to electric vehicles. Through the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program, training is being updated to include EV-specific procedures and safety considerations. This ensures that Nebraska’s workforce and emergency responders are equipped to support today’s drivers, keeping roads safe and the transportation network operating efficiently.
Find EV Charging Station Locations
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides an interactive, filterable map showing the locations of electric vehicle charging stations nationwide. This information is being used alongside other data to evaluate current demand and identify opportunities for expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Each station shown on the map includes at least one charging port, and many have multiple connectors. The term EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) simply refers to the charging equipment used at a standard EV station.
- Learn more about charger types and EV infrastructure terminology
- Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
- EV Route Planner
- EV Tax Incentives
Nebraska's NEVI Formula Program plan
Nebraska’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program plan, approved by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in September 2025, outlines how the state will build out publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations along key travel corridors. In the first year of funding, the focus will be on installing DC Fast Chargers to support long-distance travel. As additional funding becomes available, Level 2 chargers may be deployed in lower-density areas where installation costs are lower and projected demand is lighter.
This plan is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (JOET), which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). JOET brings together the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide technical guidance, set consistent standards, and ensure that federal investments result in a reliable, user-friendly national EV charging network.
The NEVI Formula Program itself directs federal funding to each state to develop charging infrastructure along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. These stations must meet federal requirements for spacing, reliability, and accessibility, and each state’s plan must be updated annually to reflect progress and any changes in federal guidance. By combining Nebraska’s locally focused plan with JOET’s nationwide coordination, the program aims to create a charging network that supports all travelers, long-distance commerce, and the growth of EV adoption across the country.
QUICK LINKS
- Nebraska's 2025 NEVI Formula Program plan
- NEVI Formula Program Interim Final Guidance
- Stakeholder Meeting - 2/13/23
- NEVI Formula Program Q & A
- NEVI Final Rule Regulations establishing minimum standards for federally funded EV charging projects.
- FHWA NEVI Fact Sheet Overview of financial, structural, and eligibility elements of the program.
Understanding EV Technology
Advances in EV battery technology are improving charge speed, vehicle range, and overall reliability. These improvements directly influence the types of chargers deployed and how efficiently they can serve drivers. The state’s EV network relies on two primary types of chargers:
Level 2 chargers typically provide a full charge in 4–10 hours, making them ideal for overnight charging, workplaces, or locations where vehicles remain parked for longer periods. They are generally more cost-effective to install, making them practical for rural areas with lower traffic volumes.
DC Fast Chargers can recharge most EVs in under an hour, supporting long-distance travel and commercial fleets that require quick turnaround times. While fast chargers reduce charging time and extend travel range, they are more expensive to install and require higher electrical capacity. Not all EV models are compatible, so careful planning for charger type and placement is essential.
Charging Types: AC vs. DC
AC (Alternating Current) Charging
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This is the type of electricity that comes from the power grid and your home outlets.
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AC chargers send electricity to your car’s onboard charger, which then converts it into DC to charge the battery.
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Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use AC.
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Level 1 – Standard household outlet, very slow (full charge can take 8–20 hours).
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Level 2 – Faster, typically installed at homes, workplaces, or public locations (full charge in 4–10 hours).
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DC (Direct Current) Charging
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DC chargers bypass the car’s onboard charger and send electricity directly to the battery.
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This is what allows DC Fast Chargers to recharge most EVs in under an hour.
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DC fast charging is usually only available at public charging stations along highways or major corridors.
Two Main Charging Connectors
A charging connector is the plug on your electric vehicle (EV) and at the charging station that allows electricity to flow from the charger into your car’s battery. Think of it like the plug you use for your phone or laptop — it’s the interface that makes charging possible. The two main types of connectors used in the U.S.:
Combined Charging System (CCS)
- Most widely used standard.
- Most non-Tesla EVs come with CCS ports. No adapter is needed to use CCS stations that match the port.
- Supports both AC (slow) and DC (fast) charging.
- The connector has two parts: the main part for AC charging, plus extra pins for DC fast charging.
- Rapidly becoming the dominant electric EV charging connector in North America.
- A connector built into the car that was originally Tesla-only but was standardized in 2023 so all automakers and charging networks can use it safely and consistently.
- Supports both AC (slow) and DC (fast) charging.
- NACs allow chargers to serve a broader range of EVs, critical for enabling chargers to reach more users efficiently and cost-effectively.
Adapters are available to let a car with one connector plug into a station built for the other standard or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not through NDOT. However, rebates and tax incentives may be available at the federal, state, or utility level. You can find current programs at fueleconomy.gov and by checking with your local utility provider.
NEVI Formula Program funds can only be used for costs directly tied to the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of publicly accessible EV charging stations (or those serving authorized motor vehicle operators from multiple companies). Charging stations must be located along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
Eligible costs include:
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Purchase and installation of EV charging equipment
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Site preparation, construction, and electrical upgrades needed for chargers
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Utility connections and power distribution equipment
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On-site hardware, networking, and communications equipment
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Operations, maintenance, and repair of charging stations
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Signage, data sharing, and cybersecurity measures required by federal standard
An Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) is a network of highways designated by federal law to support alternative fuel stations, like EV chargers, at regular intervals along major routes. These corridors make it easier for drivers to find reliable fueling and charging options when traveling long distances.
AFC is a federal statutory term and the official language agencies must use when planning projects and applying for funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) works with state and local officials, federal partners, and industry stakeholders to review nominations and make AFC designations.
Nebraska will receive $30.2 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Funds to support new EV charging stations. These federal funds, authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), are specifically designated for EV infrastructure along Nebraska’s highways.
Uncertainty surrounds EV growth in the coming years. National EV adoption rates have dipped slightly—from 10% in 2023 to 9% in 2024—and the Midwest is not experiencing the same rapid short-term growth seen in coastal areas. NDOT is focused on steady, long-term progress, preparing infrastructure to meet future demand. Planning now ensures Nebraska secures federal funds for charging stations while they are available.
Yes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Nebraska has 310 Level 2 and DC fast charging stations, with new stations being added regularly. Find locations at https://afdc.energy.gov/stations.
If you charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home, the electricity it uses will increase your bill, similar to running any other appliance. For people who don’t own EVs, it’s not yet clear whether the growing number of EVs will have a noticeable effect on electricity availability or rates for your home or business. Nebraska’s public power utilities are actively planning for EV growth to understand and manage how the added electricity demand might affect the grid.
As of June 2025, the Department of Water and Environmental Energy (DWEE) reported approximately 9,490 electric vehicles (EVs) in Nebraska and 42,951 electric/gasoline hybrid vehicles. For the most current and detailed information on EV registrations in Nebraska, visit DWEE's official website.
The NEVI program focuses on funding electric vehicle charging infrastructure for light-duty vehicles and does not currently provide funding for electric buses or public transit systems. However, if smaller electric buses can utilize standard Level 2 or DC fast chargers, they may be compatible with existing charging infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for specialized charging stations.
Nebraska is making progress in integrating electric buses into its public transit systems.
- In 2020, StarTran, the public transit service in Lincoln, replaced six aging diesel buses with electric models, bringing their total electric vehicles to 10. As of 2023, StarTran's fleet includes 10 electric buses, 39 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, and 16 diesel buses.
- Omaha's Metro Transit introduced its first electric buses in 2022. These 40-foot battery-electric buses are part of a pilot program to explore zero-emission public transportation options.
- Continued federal support and infrastructure development will be crucial in expanding the adoption of electric buses and electric school buses across the state. The EPA's Clean School Bus Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to replace diesel school buses with zero-emission models but information on electric school buses in Nebraska is limited.
NEVI funds are awarded to states based on approval of their submitted plans. NDOT uses a competitive RFP process to allocate these funds to projects that meet federal requirements.
Since more than 80% of EV charging occurs at home, states collect less revenue at the gas pump—funds that are traditionally used for road maintenance and improvements. To help offset this shortfall, Nebraska currently charges EV owners an annual registration fee of $150, while plug-in hybrid drivers pay $75. These fees ensure that all drivers contribute to the upkeep of the state’s transportation infrastructure, regardless of their vehicle’s power source.