Building on the growing support for EV adoption, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $700 million federal grant program for public EV charging infrastructure installation through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI).

The CFI Program Overview

The $2.5 billion CFI program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides federal grants for EV charging infrastructure. Unlike the NEVI program, CFI grants are awarded directly by the U.S. DOT to eligible public entities, including cities, states, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal governments, and public authorities with transportation functions.

Project Types and Funding Distribution

The CFI program splits $700 million equally between two initiatives:

Community Program ($350 million):

• Supports charging infrastructure in residential and commercial areas
• Eligible locations: public facilities, private parking facilities
• Allows partnerships with private entities
• Supports both DC fast charging and Level 2 chargers
• Prioritizes economically disadvantaged areas and multi-family housing communities

Corridor Program ($350 million):

• Focuses on charging infrastructure along interstate highways
• Allows installation within 5 miles of highways
• Emphasizes environmental justice, safety, and equity

Best Practices for Successful Applications

1. Right-size Your Projects

• Match charging types to location needs
• Consider Level 2 charging for longer-stay locations
• Install DC fast charging at high-traffic, short-stay locations
• Focus on public fast charging for multi-family housing areas

2. Maintain Flexibility in Planning

• Avoid overly specific location requirements
• Allow room for technical adjustments
• Consider multiple candidate sites
• Engage with private sector experts early

3. Use Competitive Contractor Selection

• Implement points-based scoring systems
• Prioritize experience and cost-effectiveness
• Ensure timely project completion
• Follow NEVI program best practices

4. Take an Incremental Approach

• Start with smaller funding requests
• Address immediate charging needs first
• Incorporate learnings into future rounds
• Consider future development and fleet electrification

Public-private partnerships with experienced charging networks can provide significant benefits for CFI funding applications. Successful implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder coordination, and attention to community needs while maintaining flexibility for technical adjustments.

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