Funding Halted for EV Charging Stations

U.S. suspends approval of states' plans for $5 billion in highway chargers

- JENNIFER HILLER

The Trump administration halted federal funding for new electric-vehicle charging stations, throwing a roadblock in front of the build-out of America's highway charging network for battery-powered cars.

Late Thursday, the administration said in a letter to transportation officials that it was suspending approval of state plans for spending about $5 billion in grants to add EV fast chargers along highway exits.

The highway charging money was supposed to help U.S. drivers overcome what is known as "range anxiety"-the fear of running out of battery power while traveling long distances. The charging equipment can repower a battery in around 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the car.

Range anxiety continues to be a major impediment for car buyers considering an electric car, especially if they plan to use it for road trips.

Congress approved the funding as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Biden administration had hoped to speed the use of electricity as fuel to further its ambitions on fighting climate change.