White House Proposes Ways To Ensure Easy & Accessible EV-Charging Nationwide

As part of the Joe Biden Administration’s plans to build out a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2030, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has proposed new standards and requirements to ensure the set up is easy, reliable, and accessible to all who’ve made the switch, or are planning, to EVs.

This follows the previous announcement that the White House will be funneling US$5 billion to fund the expansion of EVs across the nation. 

Known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the new proposal has come up with “minimum standards” for the unified network to adhere to, including regulations on payment systems and pricing information.

Additionally, it has been suggested the national network run of the same software platforms to allow for seamless communication from state to state, and data submittal requirements so a transparent public database can be set up.

Not only will these rules extend to the operation and maintenance of the chargers, but they will also further encourage consistency among the certification standards for employees working on the devices, ensuring the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs that will benefit a highly-skilled workforce. 

“To support the transition to electric vehicles, we must build a national charging network that makes finding a charge as easy as filling up at a gas station,” explained US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg. 

“These new ground rules will help create a network of EV chargers across the country that are convenient, affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Americans.” 

[via Engadget and US Department of Transportation, cover image via Suwin Puengsamrong | Dreamstime.com]