Spotty public chargers, especially in more rural areas, have been a major impediment to mass EV adoption.
Pexels/Mike Bird
The U.S. transportation department suspended funding for electric-vehicle charger development on a state level, with no clear indication of whether it would resume it.
A notice was issued to states’ transportation directors late last week about the decision. The funding was approved under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Spotty public chargers, especially in more rural areas, have been a major impediment to mass EV adoption due to consumer “range anxiety,” or concern about running out of battery power on the road.
The new Trump administration has started undoing some Biden-era programs and policies intended to encourage low- and zero-emission vehicle adoption, including the possibility of eliminating federal tax credits for EV purchases.
An auto industry group that advocates for electrified vehicle adoption and represents major automakers, such as Ford, General Motors and Toyota, called on the Trump administration to restart the EV infrastructure funding, saying it would create jobs and expand consumers’ transportation options in all states.
“We urge the Administration to quickly resume the critical work of the program and minimize uncertainty for states and their businesses, who have invested in infrastructure to serve local and national goals for advanced transportation,” the Electric Drive Transportation Association said in a statement.
