The Biden administration announced a five-year plan to invest approximately $5 billion in constructing thousands of electric vehicle charging stations.

The statewide network of electric vehicle charging stations would add or update stations every 50 miles (80 kilometers) along interstate roads as part of the administration's strategy to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

States must submit plans to the federal government and begin building this year if they prioritize highway networks over neighborhoods and shopping areas that allow people to travel large distances in their electric automobiles.

Each station would require at least four fast-charging outlets, which allow drivers to refuel their vehicles in roughly an hour altogether.

Numerous technical problems must be solved, and the administration realizes that convincing driver accustomed to gasoline-powered vehicles, particularly in rural regions, would take time. The funding is significantly less than the $15 billion that Biden envisioned for fulfilling a campaign pledge of 500,000 charging stations by 2030, and the idea may require significant private investment to succeed.

"America pioneered the modern automobile era a century ago; now, America must lead the electric vehicle revolution," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated.

Buttigieg announced alongside Transportation Department and White House officials, surrounded by a pair of black Ford Mustang Mach-E SUVs that he and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm drive in the federal government's growing electric fleet. The vehicle's selling pricing begins at about $44,000 and rises to more than $60,000 with extras, and it is currently manufactured in Mexico.

Buttigieg made a particular pitch to rural drivers, implying that the vast, broad regions of the United States do not have to be a "valley of death" for electric vehicle drivers.

"Many may view them as a luxury item," he explained. "The reality is that no one benefits more from EVs than those who drive the longest distances, which are frequently our rural Americans."

The law also authorizes an additional $2.5 billion in local funds, which will be distributed later this year, to close remaining gaps in the charging network in rural areas and underprivileged populations, which are currently less likely to acquire the more expensive electric vehicles. States that do not adhere to all federal rules risk delaying or losing funding from the Federal Highway Administration.
Biden has also set a target of 50% electric car sales by 2030, as part of a larger drive to achieve zero emissions in the economy by 2050.

Electric vehicles accounted for fewer than 3% of new vehicle sales in the United States last year, but economists anticipate significant growth over the coming decade. Consumers purchased approximately 400,000 all-electric vehicles.

Biden plans to do even more to promote electric vehicles, including incorporating a $7,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase electric cars in his delayed social and environmental bill.

"It will help ensure that America continues to lead the world in electric vehicles," Biden stated this week about American companies constructing EV infrastructure.

"China has previously been the leader in the race, but that is about to change," he said.

"Because America is establishing national public charging networks that are convenient, dependable, and equal. Therefore, regardless of where you reside, charging an electric vehicle will be simple and convenient."
Granholm described the initial $5 billion investment as establishing the national network's "spine."

Jessika Trancik, an EV charging expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, praised the administration's strategy as a positive first step. She stated that a successful approach to increasing EV use would necessitate installing charging stations in various locations, including rapid charging along roads and slower charging near homes and offices.