US Power Blackout: Trump’s Big Decision That Will Impact Millions of EV Owners | OneFootball

Trump’s administration has ordered states to stop spending on a $5 billion federal program aimed at expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These funds were initially allocated under the administration of former president Joe Biden through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law designed to accelerate the transition of the nation to electric mobility by expanding the charging network.

A shift in Federal EV Policy

The pause in EV funding, which Trump was quick to impose, rendered the program to build fast-charging stations through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure infeasible. This move forced the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to stop the implementation of their NEVI-funded plans awaiting further guidance.

This move is a clear indication of Trump’s agenda to reverse environmental policies and incentives that were enacted under Biden’s administration. Additionally, more changes could be implemented in EV-friendly policies like consumer tax credits, emissions regulations, and manufacturing incentives for automakers.

While some states like Ohio, Alabama, and Rhode Island had already said that they would put their NEVI programs on hold after Trump’s inauguration, others were yet to execute their projects. Those who had received these funds and started permitting and contracting the installation of these EV stations are now left uncertain about whether to reimburse for ongoing or planned projects.

For example, states like Virginia and Maryland were set to receive $106 million and $62 million respectively. The halt also affected a recent $10.7 million grant for close to 400 charging stations in Virginia. D.C. has also been forced to pause $140 million in green initiatives, including one that could have earned D.C. $17 million over five years to expand EV charging.

Industrial and Legal Reactions

This bold and controversial move by Trump has attracted views from legal experts who argue that the current administration may lack the authority to unilaterally block EV funding of an already approved program. The former deputy assistant secretary for climate policy at the Department of Transportation, Andrew Wishnia argued that Trump’s had no legal basis to stop projects that have already been funded.

The managing director at Advanced Energy United, Ryan Gallentine, also urged the state Departments of Transportation to carry on with their plans, arguing that the funds had already been appropriated and states are under no obligation to comply with Trump’s directives without formal rule changes.

Other industry leaders believe that private investment firms will continue driving the expansion of EV charging despite the halt of the NEVI program. Such firms include Tesla, which has received millions in federal support for its Supercharger network.  The COO of EV Connect Bassem Ammouri, also stated that although the federal slowdown may impact the market at least temporarily, the demand for charging stations will remain strong and construction will continue.

Although investment from the private sector is still significant for driving the expansion of the EV charging network, the withdrawal of public funding remains a big blow. Therefore, the NEVI program, which was designed to address charging accessibility on long trips, is likely to slow down, making it difficult to build the estimated 1.2 million chargers that are needed by 2030.

While Trump’s administration seems determined to stop EV Funding, it is expected that legal challenges and state resistance will shape the outcome of this tussle. Either way, the freeze will continue to cause uncertainty in America’s EV transition at a time when the program was at its peak.