PennDOT to begin accepting applications for electric vehicle infrastructure grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it will begin accepting applications for Round 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program on March 27. 

The applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. May 5. 

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in federal formula funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the next five years.  

For the Round 1 funding, PennDOT has advanced appropriations of $25.4 million for federal fiscal year 2022 and $36.5 million for 2023.  

Around $56 million is expected to be available for applicants. The PA NEVI grant program is a reimbursement grant program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. 

Funds for the PA NEVI grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain EV Station Infrastructure sites across Pennsylvania. 

“We’ve aligned our NEVI grant program to Federal Highway Administration’s final rulemaking to ensure the best possible strategy and success for Pennsylvania,” said Acting PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Our grant program will enhance Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure while supporting local communities.” 

PennDOT said that while most entities are eligible to receive NEVI funds; however, it anticipates most applicants will be public-sector entities, incorporated nonprofit entities, and corporations or business entities registered to do business in Pennsylvania. 

The focus will be on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. 

All applications must be submitted electronically through PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s eGrants system at https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx.