US awards $521 million in grants for EV charging, alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states

The US government has awarded $521 million in funds for building electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure nationally.

The grants, made possible by the country's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will fund charging infrastructure in 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia, the government said in a press release.

The funds will provide for construction of more than 9,200 EV charging ports in communities across the US, along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. The majority of the investment --- around $321 million --- is designated for 41 projects that expand all types of EV infrastructure in communities, including Level 2 and DC fast chargers.

The balance $200 million will go towards building fast-charging projects along the country's designated "alternative fuel corridors".

Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Transportation, said of the funding: "Today's grants are a critical part of ensuring every American can find a charger as easily as a gas station, which will decrease pollution from our roadways, lower costs for families, and help people get to where they need to go efficiently."

The US will have more public EV charging stations than fuel stations by 2032 if it maintains the current rate of new infrastructure addition, news agency Bloomberg reported. The country has roughly 9,000 public fast-charging stations at the moment.

Gabe Klein, executive director of the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, said in a release: "Today's investments in public community charging fill crucial gaps and provide the foundation for a zero-emission future where everyone can choose to ride or drive electric for greater individual convenience and reduced fueling costs, as well as cleaner air and lower healthcare costs for all Americans."