Automakers Call on USDOT to Restart EV Charging Program
A coalition of automakers and electric vehicle (EV) charging companies is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to quickly resume the $5 billion federal electric vehicle charging infrastructure program. The call for swift action comes after the Trump administration announced the suspension of the EV charging program and the reversal of approvals for state-level EV charging plans, pending a new review.
The Electric Drive Transportation Association, which represents members like General Motors, Toyota, EVGo, Walmart, and others, expressed concern over the uncertainty this suspension could create. The group stressed the need for a prompt restart to ensure states and businesses that have invested in EV infrastructure can continue their efforts in line with national transportation goals.
On his first day in office, President Trump criticized the push for electric vehicles, halting the distribution of unspent government funds allocated for charging stations from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. Trump also rescinded a 2021 executive order from President Biden that set a non-binding goal for electric vehicles to make up half of all new U.S. vehicle sales by 2030.
Additionally, Trump proposed ending the waiver that allowed states to implement their own zero-emission vehicle regulations by 2035 and suggested potentially repealing EV tax credits. While the Biden administration’s targets received backing from both U.S. and foreign automakers, the future of such incentives remains uncertain under Trump’s leadership.
Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy directed regulators to rescind the stringent fuel economy standards under Biden, which aimed to reduce fuel consumption in cars and trucks, as well as the associated climate regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set a goal to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements to about 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031, up from the current 39.1 mpg for light-duty vehicles.
