The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program was created under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law and provided a $5 billion network of high-speed EV chargers across major American highways. Although it had made a major investment in funding, as of mid 2025, not all of the intended charging stations were fully functional.

A pause in NEVI funding under the Trump administration in February 2025 created widespread disruption for EV charging companies, leaving over 2,500 stations in state pipelines stalled and resulting in a 75% decline in market value for leading companies like EVgo andChargePoint.

Rules eliminated several Biden-era requirements, including a rural or disadvantaged community priority, labor and safety conditions, and extreme placement requirements, such as the 50-mile spacing requirement.

These reforms will enable states to have greater freedom in deciding where to place chargers, lower the expenses of site hosts, and hasten the deployment of EV infrastructure. The process is further simplified by federal permitting revisions, which permit sites to go online at a very rapid pace.

The states actively working with NEVI are California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, and so on, and submissions of their guidance should be made within 30 days of the interim guidance presented by the Federal Highway Administration. This data can help EV charging companies to work in high-opportunity states and evade low-engagement markets.

Non-Dilutive Capital Opportunities

Federal, state, and local programs, such as grants, loans, and tax credits, can be used by EV charging companies aiming to grow their efforts and tap into non-dilutive capital. Shepherd Strategies helps companies negotiate these sources of funds so that they can take maximum growth without sacrificing equity.

After the Trump administration’s updates have done away with some of the previous tax cuts for clean energy projects, the emphasis has shifted to energy independence, infrastructure efficiency, and corporate viability, which create new opportunities for strategic investment.

Key Federal Funding Programs and Opportunities

Several federal programs support EV charging and associated technologies:

• NEVI Formula Program ($5B): Supports statewide deployment of interconnected EV charging infrastructure.
• Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grants ($2.5B): Divided into Corridor Charging and Community Charging programs to expand public EV access.
• Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator ($148M): Focused on improving resiliency and repairing existing EV infrastructure.
• i2X Queue Management Solutions ($11.2M): Pilots innovative grid integration strategies for EV and renewable energy connections.
• Communities Taking Charge ($43.7M) and Ride and Drive Electric ($46.5M): Promote managed charging, vehicle-to-grid technologies, and community mobility.
• Low or No Emission Grant Program: Supports zero- and low-emission school and transit buses.
• SuperTruck Charge Program: Accelerates electrification of medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles.
• Tribal Nations Programs: Additional funding opportunities for energy and EV infrastructure projects.

These programs are open to EV charging companies via coordinated actions with elected officials, government partners, and the advice of Shepherd Strategies, including SAM.gov registration, government capabilities statements, and non-proprietary technology roadmaps. These tools help companies identify the most strategic opportunities, secure funding, and build scalable, resilient EV networks.

Highlights:

• $5B NEVI program continues with streamlined rules, faster permitting, and flexible state deployment plans.
• Significant market opportunity arises from stalled sites and distressed EV companies.
• Non-dilutive capital options, grants, and tax credits are available to scale operations.
• Multiple federal programs target infrastructure, grid integration, community mobility, zero-emission fleets, and Tribal initiatives.
• Strategic guidance helps companies focus on high-potential states and avoid unproductive markets.
  
  

Move Forward With Expert Guidance

To capitalize on these opportunities and gain actionable insights for your business, Shepherd Strategies is here. Our expert team can help identify funding, guide your EV strategy, and position your company for growth in this rapidly evolving market. Contact us today.