Key Takeaways
- NEVI Formula Program: $5 billion over 5 years for EV charging along designated highway corridors — distributed to states
- DOE CFI Discretionary Grants: up to $15M per award for EV charging in communities and corridors
- Section 30C Tax Credit: 30% tax credit (up to $100,000) for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property — not a grant but highly valuable
- States are the primary applicants for NEVI — private entities apply through state DOT programs
- Priority locations: highway corridors, rural areas, disadvantaged communities, and multi-unit housing
Summary
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) appropriated over $7.5 billion for EV charging infrastructure — the largest federal investment in EV infrastructure in US history. In 2026, these funds continue to flow through two primary channels: the NEVI Formula Program (state-administered, highway corridors) and DOE's discretionary Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grants (communities and corridors). Private developers, municipalities, utilities, and nonprofits can access these funds through their state DOT or directly through DOE grant competitions.
Major Federal EV Charging Grant Programs 2026
NEVI Formula Program (FHWA)
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program provides $5 billion over 5 years to states for EV charging along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) — primarily the Interstate Highway System. States receive annual allocations and develop their own programs for selecting charging station sites and operators. Requirements: stations must be spaced every 50 miles maximum, within 1 mile of highway exits, with at least 4 DC Fast Chargers per site capable of 150 kW+ each.
Who can apply: Private entities, businesses, utilities, and governments apply through their state DOT's NEVI program. Contact your state's DOT for current solicitation status — each state manages its own competitive process.
DOE Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program
DOE administers $2.5 billion in discretionary CFI grants through two tracks: (1) Community Charging grants for EV charging in multi-unit housing, rural areas, and underserved communities; and (2) Corridor Charging grants for DC Fast Charging on major highway corridors. Awards range up to $15 million per project. Eligible applicants: state and local governments, nonprofits, utilities, and private entities. Apply through Grants.gov when DOE publishes the NOFO.
EPA Clean Ports Program
The EPA Clean Ports Program provides grants for zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, including electric charging for port vehicles, cargo handling equipment, and shore power for vessels. Total funding: $3 billion. Priority: environmental justice communities near ports. Awards: $500K–$50M. Apply through EPA when solicitations are open.
FTA Low-No Emission Vehicle Program
Federal Transit Administration grants for zero-emission buses and associated charging infrastructure. Transit agencies can use Low-No grants to purchase electric buses AND install the charging depot infrastructure to support them. FY2026 appropriation: approximately $1.1 billion. Apply through FTA's competitive grant portal.
Section 30C Tax Credit (Not a Grant — But Critical)
The Inflation Reduction Act extended and enhanced the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (Section 30C). Businesses installing EV charging equipment can receive a 30% tax credit (up to $100,000 per unit for commercial property) through 2032. For projects in low-income or rural census tracts, the credit increases to 40%. This is not a grant but is often more valuable than grant programs for private businesses with tax liability.
EV Grant Program Comparison 2026
| Program | Amount | Eligible Applicants | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEVI Formula Program | $5B total (state formula) | Private/public through state DOT | Your state DOT |
| DOE CFI Discretionary | Up to $15M/project | State/local gov, nonprofits, private | Grants.gov (DOE NOFO) |
| EPA Clean Ports | $500K–$50M | Port authorities, private port operators | EPA Grants.gov |
| FTA Low-No Emission | Up to $25M | Transit agencies | FTA grant portal |
| USDA REAP (EV related) | Up to $1M | Rural businesses + agricultural producers | Local USDA RD office |
| Section 30C Tax Credit | 30–40% of cost, up to $100K/unit | Businesses with tax liability | IRS Form 8911 |
Action Steps for EV Charging Grant Applicants
- Contact your state DOT immediately — NEVI programs are running now and state solicitation windows may be limited
- Check your site location against FHWA's Alternative Fuel Corridor map — NEVI requires specific corridor proximity
- Register in SAM.gov now if you plan to apply directly to DOE or EPA programs
- Consult your tax advisor about Section 30C — it may be more valuable than grant funding for your project
- Search Grants.gov for "electric vehicle" and "charging" to find currently open NOFOs