In a significant victory for electric vehicle infrastructure development, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOT) to release crucial funding to 14 states. This funding, totaling $5 billion, was originally allocated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a key component of the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The NEVI program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to build a nationwide network of EV charging stations. Congress mandated the distribution of these funds over five fiscal years, starting in 2022. However, in a controversial move, the DOT abruptly halted the release of funds and revoked approvals for state plans earlier this year, citing a need for review.

This unexpected suspension caused significant delays and uncertainty for states actively planning EV charging station installations. The judge’s order now compels the DOT to resume funding, representing a critical step forward in accelerating the nation’s transition to electric vehicles. The decision is expected to unlock crucial investments in infrastructure and bolster the adoption of electric vehicles across the 14 affected states. This legal win will likely have ripple effects, influencing how other states proceed with their EV infrastructure projects.