U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) recently announced $2.6 million in federal funding for Hawaii to build a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
"People want to buy EVs but worry about where and when they’ll be able to charge them," Schatz said in a Feb. 11 Tweet. "This funding will help us build charging stations where people can actually use them, leading to more accessibility, quieter streets and helping Hawaii achieve its goal to build a clean economy."
The new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was signed into law by President Joe Biden last November. It is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“I know you’re tired of the bickering in Washington, frustrated by the negativity, and you just want us to focus on your needs, your concerns and the conversations are taking place at your kitchen table,” Biden said at the signing ceremony, according to the Star-Advertiser. “My fellow Americans, today I want you to know we hear you, and we see you. The bill I’m about to sign is proof that despite the cynics, Democrats and Republicans can come together and deliver results.”
These federal funds can be used to install and operate EV charging stations and provide information about them.
This will be the first round of nearly $18 million total, according to the Star-Advertiser. The funds will be available to the state of Hawaii for the next five years.
States must submit a deployment plan that explains how they will use the funds, which must align with the Federal Highway Administration guidance, before they gain access to the grant.
According to New York Truck Stop, a second competitive grant program created to further expand electric vehicle charging station access in locations throughout the U.S., including rural and underserved locations, will be announced later in 2022.