Trump admin halts $3B EV charger rollout, freezing key Biden climate program
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Why it matters: The pause stalls efforts to address “range anxiety” — a top barrier to EV adoption — and signals Trump’s fossil-fuel push, despite bipartisan backing for the charging funds.
The big picture: The NEVI program aimed to install fast chargers every 50 miles on highways under Biden’s 2021 infrastructure law. With 56 stations built and 900+ sites approved, the freeze delays thousands more — but legal challenges are likely.
By the numbers:
- $3B+ in funding paused for future projects.
- 900+ charging sites already approved (56 operational).
- $31M awarded to Tesla, whose CEO Elon Musk advises Trump.
Between the lines:
- Legally shaky: Experts say Trump’s FHWA likely can’t kill the Congressionally funded program outright — hence a “review” delay tactic.
- Hypocrisy note: NEVI cash flows to Tesla, even as Trump slams Biden’s “EV mandates.”
- Industry split: Charging companies call NEVI flawed but vital for rural/road-trip access.
What’s next: States and green groups are expected to sue to restart funding, arguing the freeze breaches the infrastructure law. A draft FHWA rule drops this spring — likely pushing NEVI funds toward fossil-fuel interests.
Key quote: “Lawsuits will start soon, and this will go to court and Congress,” says Loren McDonald of EV analysis firm Paren.Flashback: Trump declared a “national energy emergency” on Day 1 to boost oil drilling, vowing: “We will drill, baby, drill.”
Go deeper: Track NEVI projects | Biden’s EV plan*
