In late 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued updated guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, triggering a wave of revisions across most states. The changes center on greater state-level flexibility in charger spacing, location, and fund allocation—moving away from rigid federal mandates toward more practical, locally tailored deployment. As of early 2026, these updates are already driving new funding rounds, plan resubmissions, and targeted infrastructure builds, accelerating the rollout of fast-charging stations while addressing gaps in both light-duty and heavy-duty networks.
The new FHWA guidance grants states three major areas of autonomy:
These adjustments respond to real-world implementation challenges and give states the tools to complete the national network more efficiently.
Several states have moved quickly to align with the new rules. Here are the states that have explicitly announced updates, new funding opportunities, or major program reboots:
Additional states are preparing major solicitations. Many have scheduled the release of new project proposals for the first half of 2026:
The increased flexibility in the revised NEVI program creates substantial new opportunities for EV charging manufacturers, installers, developers, utilities, site hosts, and related businesses—but navigating state plan updates, solicitations, compliance requirements, and competitive funding rounds requires specialized expertise.
With deep experience in federal and state funding programs, infrastructure policy, and EV charging specifically, Shepherd assists organizations in securing grants, incentives, and contracts while shaping outcomes in complex regulatory environments.
Key ways Shepherd Strategies supports clients include:
By combining government relations, grant strategy, and sector-specific knowledge in alternative fuel transportation and energy, Shepherd Strategies enables clients to move quickly in the evolving 2026 landscape—turning policy flexibility into tangible project wins, expanded market access, and accelerated deployments. Reach out today if you would like to discuss opportunities for your company.
The FHWA has requested $64.1 billion for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs in fiscal year 2026, bolstered by $8.5 billion in advance appropriations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). While this figure encompasses the broader highway program, NEVI formula funding continues to flow to states under the original IIJA authorization, now being deployed with far greater flexibility. States are using the revised rules to stretch these dollars further and target high-impact locations.
The 2026 revisions represent a pragmatic evolution of the NEVI program. By loosening prescriptive requirements, the FHWA has empowered states to respond more nimbly to actual EV growth—whether in rural corridors, urban freight hubs, or emerging MDHD routes. Early movers like Oregon, Colorado, and Pennsylvania are already translating flexibility into new stations and redirected investments. As solicitation timelines roll out through mid-2026, the national picture is shifting from a one-size-fits-all corridor build to a more adaptive, comprehensive public charging network.
For the most current corridor maps and exact funding allocations, travelers and developers should consult the FHWA NEVI Data Portal and individual state DOT websites, which are updating rapidly to reflect the new guidance. The coming year is poised to be a pivotal one for U.S. electric vehicle infrastructure, driven by state innovation under a more flexible federal framework.
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