National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, which includes the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. It provides states with $7.5 billion to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Over the next five years, Nebraska will have access to $30.2 million (~$6 million/year) in formula funds for EV charging infrastructure while also still being able to compete for a portion of an additional $2.5 billion in discretionary grant funding. This funding supports the Administration’s goal of expanding EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and other corridors that could be identified in the state.
These federal funds will flow through the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and will be primarily focused on developing electric charging infrastructure on AFCs, which today include Interstate 80 across the state and Nebraska Highway 31 and US Highway 6 in the Omaha area.
With the recently approved plan, highlights include:
- Nebraska will have approximately $6 million per year for the next five years for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed on Nov. 15, 2021
- Nebraska’s year one focus is on the I-80 corridor
- Charging stations will consist of at least 4 DC fast charging ports located at a publicly accessible business
- Plan is reviewed and evaluated on a yearly basis
Federal Legislation
Federal Guidance and Joint Office Support
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation was created through the BIL to facilitate collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the US DOT. The Joint Office will align resources and expertise across these two federal departments toward leveraged outcomes. This office will be a critical component in the implementation of the BIL, providing support and expertise to a multitude of programs that seek to deploy a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. The scope of the Joint Office will continue to evolve as directed by both departments.
Read more about the NEVI Formula Program Guide here.
Approved Plan
The US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved Nebraska's NEVI plan in September 2022. The approved plan is required to be established according to NEVI guidance.
- Click here to view or download the approved plan.
- RFI Appendix
- RFI Section I final
- Stakeholder Meeting - 2/13/23 (Video)
How It Works
The Alternative Fuels Data Center through the US Department of Energy provides an interactive, filterable map of the locations of various fuel types including electric charging stations. The below map represents the information for this specifically for Nebraska. The information below is being considered with other data to consider demand and opportunities for expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Station Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are funds available as rebates to purchase EVs or convert traditional internal combustion engines?
No, NEVI provides funding to states to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along public roads.
Isn’t there also a grant program?
Yes, the BIL established a new $2.5 billion discretionary grant program to deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure.
What about large EV trucks that haul freight?
Federal NEVI guidance currently defines EVs to include “passenger cars and light trucks.”
What are eligible costs under this new program?
NEVI Formula funding to use on projects that are directly related to the charging of a vehicle and only for EV charging infrastructure that is open to the public or to authorized commercial motor vehicle operators from more than one company. Charging stations must be on the Alternative Fuels Corridor
What is an Alternative Fuel Corridor?
The statutory term included with the funding criteria applied through BIL. In general, AFCs provide a series of alternative fuel distribution sites conveniently located for the traveling public to meet the emerging need for such supplies. The Federal Highway Administration solicits nominations from state and local officials and works with other federal officials and industry stakeholders to make AFC designations.