The State and Future of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the U.S.

By FOCUS, A Leonine Business

The current state of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the U.S. is marked by recent shifts in federal policy, impacting planned investments and creating uncertainty for future expansion.

Despite the federal pause, some state governments are continuing their commitments to enhancing EV infrastructure. Michigan, for example, received a commitment of $110 million, half of which has already been distributed, with the remaining funds currently on hold. Meanwhile, Colorado recently advanced legislation through the House Energy and Environment Committee to create an oversight program managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The program would aim to ensure that charging stations provide reliable and accurate service, extending consumer protections already present for gasoline vehicles to EV drivers.

In states such as California and New York, efforts to strengthen EV infrastructure persist, independent of federal policies. California recently allocated $33 million through its Clean Mobility Options program for projects aimed at increasing EV accessibility in lower-income communities. Similarly, New York pledged $500 million to facilitate the transition of school bus fleets to electric models, reflecting a state-level commitment to sustaining EV growth through infrastructure development.

Other states have chosen different paths in response to the federal funding pause. Florida, for instance, is exploring options to generate funding for transportation projects, such as implementing fees at public EV charging stations. This approach would leverage the state’s extensive network of over 2,300 charging locations. Ohio, having already completed approximately half of its federally funded charging stations, is evaluating the feasibility of future projects due to the funding uncertainty. These differing state responses reflect different strategies and considerations as each state navigates its infrastructure planning amid changes in federal support.

Nationwide, EV sales continue to demonstrate resilience and growth potential. Industry experts emphasize that meeting increasing consumer demand will require significant infrastructure investments and sustained expansion efforts across the country. The interaction among market trends, state initiatives and federal policy changes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of EV infrastructure throughout the United States.

FOCUS will continue to monitor the state of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in state legislatures across the country.

by Jorge Padilla 3/19/25