The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) has approved electric vehicle (EV) charging station plans for all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The November 2021 $1 trillion infrastructure bill earmarks $5 billion to help states install EV chargers along interstate highways over five years. USDOT reports states now have access to more than $1.5 billion to add EV chargers.  

USDOT recommends states:

• Fund DC Fast Chargers

• Install stations with at least four ports capable of simultaneously charging four EVs

• Put EV charging infrastructure every 50 miles along interstate highways

• Locate chargers within 1 mile of highways.

Federal funds will cover 80% of EV charging costs, with private or state funds making up the balance.

The chargers will be needed to meet President Biden’s goal that 50% of all new vehicles sold to be electric or plug-in hybrid electric models by 2030. Biden wants 500,000 new EV charging stations in place by then, but has not endorsed phasing out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035.

California's Air Resources Board in contrast has approved that all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be electric or plug-in electric hybrids, but this move still be approved by the Biden administration before it can take effect.