Former President Donald Trump has been providing significant insights into the electric vehicle infrastructure during recent speeches. One topic he has touched upon is the expenditure undertaken by the Biden administration in this sector. As per Trump’s commentary, the administration has invested around $9 billion into the construction of just eight electric vehicle chargers. While some might contest this claim, it is worthy of a closer look.
Congress has earmarked a sum of $7.5 billion to foster the growth of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in America over a span of five years. It is apparent that not all these funds have been released or implemented. However, if we take into account estimations by industry experts, the resources in place are likely to pave the way for the emergence of multiple charging stations equipped with over 30,000 charging ports.
As the Federal Highway Administration confirms, by mid-August, what has been spent from the funds so far has resulted in 61 operational charging ports at 15 stations. Amplifying these efforts, an additional 14,900 ports setup is under progress. Observing this upward trend, it’s fair to say resources are being utilized to foster electric vehicle infrastructure.
Trump’s knack for in-depth analysis of the situation was displayed recently when he raised questions about the government’s expenditure in constructing electric vehicle charging ports. While some critics might try to undermine his remarks, it is worth considering that Trump has always been a flag-bearer for sensible and effective expenditure.
Pete Gould, who reportedly works as a lobbyist for the electric vehicle and charging industry and is familiar with transportation policies, was among the voices challenging Trump’s calculations. Nonetheless, anyone with an understanding of politics will recognize this as an attempt to challenge assertions made by the former President, rather than a substantial counter-argument.
As per the Biden administration’s aspirations, they aim to establish 500,000 charging ports by 2030. The alternative fuels data center, managed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, suggests that as of August 14, there are 65,904 public stations, which host a total of 179,547 electric vehicle charging ports.
Under the plan, of the total $7.5 billion fund approved, $5 billion is allocated to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. This program’s purpose is to allocate budgets to construct chargers along the country’s primary highways. The information shared by the Federal Highway Administration indicates that about $2.4 billion of these funds have been released to all 50 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that these resources have not been entirely deployed yet. Furthermore, all states haven’t given out their awards. A report unveiled by the National Association of State Energy Officials around mid-April revealed that 19 states thus far have handed over $287.6 million in NEVI funds.
Based on the status of proceedings shared by the Federal Highway Administration, individual states are at different stages regarding the implementation of these funds. As per their plan, these funds have contributed to the creation of 15 active charging stations and 61 ports in eight states.
Anticipating the future, the agency expressed optimism, stating the numbers will ‘grow rapidly with 28 states having announced conditional or final awards for 719 charging stations.’ Meanwhile, approximately $623 million has been awarded to 47 projects under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, backed by the remaining $2.5 billion from the original infrastructure fund.
In addition to this, the Federal Highway Administration suggests that the first phase of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program, executed in the fiscal years 2022 and 2023, is likely to lead to the establishment of 7,500 electric vehicle charging ports across various regions. This network will encompass both residential and professional areas, rendering access to chargers more convenient for users.
Something worth noting is the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program, which has proved beneficial for states and localities requiring an extra boost. For this program, approximately $148.8 million was awarded to 24 projects across 20 states. As per the Federal Highway Administration, this program’s funds will be deployed to repair or replace an estimated 4,500 EV charging ports.
To procure federal funds for setting up EV chargers, states must present their plans to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation annually before August. Once these plans secure approval, incumbents are then invited to place bids for the work to commence. Hence, the process is a delicate balance between planning and execution, and it requires time to unfold.
Government officials as well as experts suggest there have been delays in the roll-out of Biden’s plan due to various factors. Among the challenges they cite are drafting guidelines, creating partnerships with states, initiating strict standards and requirements for station construction, all somewhat expected in a novel area such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In light of these delays and additional factors, it is no surprise Trump has been discerning about the Biden-Harris’ projection of an ‘electric vehicle mandate.’ While it is important to remember administrations do not have the power to mandate the proportion of cars that must be electric, the former President’s comments still hold merit.
What we do know is that the current administration aims to have electric vehicles comprise 50% of the new car sales by 2030, a target that will be influenced by market dynamics to a great extent. So, as we see, Trump homes in on the nuances, illuminating the finer points of the grand electric vehicle narrative.
Trump Sheds Light on Biden Administration’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure appeared first on Real News Now.
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