EV Charging Infrastructure: States Double Efforts but Still Lag on Federal Funding Utilization

Overview: A Mixed Picture of Progress

With gasoline prices remaining high and state budgets under pressure, the deployment of federal dollars for a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network has seen a notable uptick—but the pace is far from adequate. According to a recent analysis by the Sierra Club, states have more than doubled their progress in implementing funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in 2025. Yet, the report warns that many states are still moving too slowly, risking the loss of billions in federal assistance that could help drivers transition to electric vehicles.

The NEVI program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocates $5 billion over five years to build a reliable network of fast chargers along interstate highways. While the rate of fund distribution has accelerated, the Sierra Club’s analysis indicates that the overall rollout remains frustratingly sluggish, with several states falling dangerously behind schedule.

Doubled Progress, But Still Not Enough

The report highlights that in 2025, states collectively moved from initial planning phases to active construction and contract awards at a pace twice as fast as in 2024. This acceleration is a positive signal, suggesting that bureaucratic hurdles are being overcome and that interest in EV infrastructure is growing. However, the Sierra Club emphasizes that the current speed is insufficient to meet the ambitious goal of having 500,000 public chargers by 2030—a target set by the Biden administration.

Key findings from the analysis include:

• As of mid-2025, only about 15% of NEVI funds have been awarded or spent, leaving the vast majority untapped.
• Several states—including Texas, Florida, and Ohio—have made significant strides, while others lag far behind, with zero chargers in operation.
• The slowest states risk losing their allocations if they fail to meet federal deadlines, which could redirect funds to more proactive regions.

This uneven progress creates a patchwork of charging availability, undermining consumer confidence in long-distance EV travel. Drivers in lagging states may face charging deserts along major highways, deterring adoption.

State-by-State: Leaders and Laggards

The Sierra Club report categorizes states into three tiers: leaders, middle performers, and laggards. Leaders such as New York, California, and Colorado have already broken ground on multiple charging sites and are actively contracting with vendors. These states have streamlined permitting processes and leveraged public-private partnerships to accelerate deployment.

Middle performers—including Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—have made progress but still face challenges in site selection and utility coordination. Meanwhile, laggards like Mississippi, Alabama, and Wyoming have yet to issue a single request for proposals. The report warns that these states could forfeit their NEVI allocations, leaving money on the table that could otherwise benefit their residents.

To address this, the Sierra Club recommends that lagging states adopt best practices from leaders, such as establishing dedicated EV offices and setting clear milestones. Return to overview

Urgency and Recommendations

The window of opportunity is narrowing. Federal regulations require states to obligate NEVI funds within two years of each annual apportionment, or the money is redistributed. With the first tranche of funds expiring in late 2026, states must act now to avoid losing critical resources.

Moreover, private investment in EV charging is booming, but it relies on a clear public framework. The Sierra Club argues that slow government action discourages private companies from building additional chargers, creating a vicious cycle of underinvestment. To break this cycle, the report recommends:

1. Prioritize high-traffic corridors where charging infrastructure has the greatest impact.
2. Simplify permitting and interconnection processes to reduce timelines.
3. Engage utilities early to ensure grid capacity for fast chargers.
4. Set public deadlines for key milestones and hold agencies accountable.

Without swift action, the promise of a seamless national EV charging network will remain unfulfilled. The Sierra Club’s analysis serves as a wake-up call: states have doubled their efforts, but the race is far from won. See progress details

Conclusion: A Call for Accelerated Action

The NEVI program represents a historic investment in clean transportation, but its success hinges on state-level execution. While the doubling of progress in 2025 is commendable, it is not enough to meet the climate and consumer needs. Leaders must continue to innovate, laggards must catch up, and all states must embrace a sense of urgency to ensure that federal funds translate into accessible, reliable chargers for every driver. The Sierra Club will continue to monitor state performance and advocate for policies that speed up the transition to an electric future.