The Biden-Harris administration announced $623 million in grants on January 11, 2024, for public electric-vehicle charging and alternative-fueling projects. The U.S. Department of Transportation said the awards covered 47 projects in 22 states and Puerto Rico. The announcement described funding for projects—not a claim that their stations were already built or open.
What the $623 million announcement covered
The awards came through the federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. The U.S. Department of Transportation said the projects were intended to expand public access to charging and alternative fuels, including options for people where they live, work, and shop. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt described the goal as bringing “EV charging and alternative fuels to people and communities all across the nation.” DOT’s January 11, 2024 announcement lists the award round and its intended reach.
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The $623 million is the amount announced for this particular CFI grant round. It is not the total federal commitment to EV charging, nor evidence that the whole amount had been spent or that all funded sites were operational.
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CFI and NEVI are different programs
CFI and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program are separate parts of the federal charging effort. CFI awards competitive, discretionary grants to qualifying charging and alternative-fueling projects. NEVI distributes formula funding to states to help build a strategic, interconnected EV charging network. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) describes CFI as a $2.5 billion discretionary grant program and NEVI as a separate $5 billion formula program; those are program totals, not the value of the January 2024 awards. FHWA’s program overview gives that context.
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- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
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| Feature | CFI | NEVI |
|---|---|---|
| Funding method | Discretionary grants for qualifying projects | Formula funding distributed to states |
| Typical decision path | Applicants seek grants for eligible charging or alternative-fueling projects | States submit an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan; FHWA must approve it before NEVI funds are available for obligation |
| Program total cited by FHWA | $2.5 billion | $5 billion |
| What the total means | Program funding, not the January 2024 award amount or proof of completed sites | Program funding, not proof that a state has obligated funds or opened stations |
Appropriations or authorizations, federal allocations, grant awards, state or recipient obligations, reimbursements, construction, and operational service are different stages. A state plan approval or funding allocation alone does not mean a charging site is finished and available to drivers.
What grant conditions and aims were announced
DOT said CFI-funded chargers had to meet the minimum standards established for NEVI-funded chargers. The announcement specifically cited Made in America provisions and installation and maintenance consistent with workforce standards. It presented accessible, reliable, convenient charging and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance as intended benefits; those stated aims do not establish that particular outcomes have been achieved.
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- [Up to 9x Faster Charging Speed]: Provides up to 46 miles/hour charging speed via hardwired connection (48 amp - up to 9x faster than a standard wall outlet) or up to 38 miles/hour via the NEMA 14-50 plug (40 amp). Professional installation recommended for optimal safety and performance. [Install The Power Outlet Cord]: No smaller than 8AWG if charge 40-48A, we suggest 6AWG cord.(1.The input side is belongs to the electrician electric automobile regulation scope, need to use three 6AWG cable wires for 48A; 2.The charging cable belongs to the automotive connector certification standard, so the 8AWG cable can meet the 48A.)
- [DESIGNED WITH J1772 Connector for All North America j1772 Connector EVs/PHEVs. Not fits for Tesla/Nacs Connector Cars(j1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]: Compatible with Tesla cars (Adapter needed, not included), Ford, GM, Audi, Kia, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevrolet Bolt, VW ID 4, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, IONIQ 5 2024 and before, BMW i3, i4, iX, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, etc. [Not fits for Nac connector cars-Kia EV6 2025/EV9,Ariya 2025&2025 loniq 5(J1772 to Tesla adapter needed)]
- [Safety & Faster Charging with ETL, FCC, Energy Star Certified]: Meets the Safety Criteria Defined by: SAE J1772, UL2231-1/-2, UL 991, UL 2231, UL 2251, UL1998 and UL 2594. (ETL and FCC certified EV car charger with 3-year Warranty)
- [Plug-play Mode(The Default Setting), Smart Touch Screen, No APP Needed]: Clearly show the charging amperage, charging speed, input voltage, delay time, etc. For the touch buttons: 1. Pull out the charging gun before press the buttons, otherwise no respond; 2. Long press "Ⓐ" or "Time" button to enter the setting interface, then you can adjust the amperage from 16A to 48A freely or Set the charging start time; 3. You can do "factory reset" if doesn't charging.
- [Smart WIFI APP, You can Set the Charging Period]: By APP, you can wirelessly check the charging cost, history, fully-charged notification, track the charging status, during off-peak period, etc. [Wi-Fi Reset/Factory Reset Function, Add New Device Quickly]: If you can't find your device or you have replaced a new phone, just pull out the charging latches, simultaneously long press the Ⓐ button and time adjustment button on the product screen until it shows "Factory Reset", then wait 3-5 seconds and re-start your device.
A separate U.S. Department of Energy announcement on January 19, 2024 provided $46.5 million for 30 projects focused on charging reliability and workforce development. DOE placed that work within the broader $7.5 billion combined NEVI and CFI investment. It was a separate announcement, not part of DOT’s $623 million award total. DOE’s announcement describes those projects.
What changed for NEVI after the award announcement
Developments affecting NEVI came later and should not be confused with the January 2024 CFI grants. In January 2025, FHWA actions under the incoming administration paused state-plan approvals and new obligations, leading to litigation. On January 23, 2026, a federal court in State of Washington et al. v. U.S. Department of Transportation et al. held that the suspension and certain restrictions on previously approved plans violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The order directed restoration of the states’ prior plan status and limited withholding. Its stated scope does not resolve every NEVI funding dispute nationally. The case docket contains the court filings and order.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
Separately, FHWA said a March 12, 2026 notice implemented the FY2026 Department of Transportation appropriations act’s repurposing of $503,756,000 in previously distributed, unobligated NEVI Formula Program funding for highway infrastructure programs. That amount concerns NEVI balances; it is not a cut to the January 2024 CFI awards. FHWA’s notice describes the funding change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are the 47 projects open to drivers?
The January 2024 announcement established that DOT awarded grants for 47 projects, but it does not establish the present operating status of every site. The later court ruling and NEVI funding notice concern the broader NEVI program, not a project-by-project accounting of the CFI awards. The cited announcements do not establish how many of those 47 projects have been completed or are currently open.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and plugs into a 240V outlet with a 14-50 receptacle, requiring a 40A or 50A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter
Rank #4
- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway.
- HARDWIRED - PROFESSIONAL INSTALL: This Level 2 charger is hardwired (not plug-in), so a licensed electrician installs it per National Electrical Code. It delivers up to 48A on a dedicated 60A, 240V circuit - enough to charge most EVs fully overnight. Want more speed? You can set DIP switches 4 and 5 to unlock 50A on a dedicated 70A circuit. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that your electrical panel can support the circuit.
- CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start and stop charging, set the charging speed (6-48A), get reminders, and track how much energy and money each charge uses. Requires a 2.4 GHz home WiFi network.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
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