A new Sierra Club report reveals that the United States doubled the pace of federal EV charger funding deployment in 2025, but progress remains too slow. Only 10 states have spent more than half their allocation, while 40 states have used less than a quarter.
A new report from the Sierra Club shows that the United States doubled the pace of federal EV charger funding deployment in 2025, but progress remains too slow. Only 10 states have spent more than half their allocation, while 40 states have used less than a quarter. The report, published April 30, 2026, analyzes state spending under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
What is NEVI funding and why does it matter?
The NEVI program is part of the federal infrastructure law, allocating $5 billion to build a network of fast chargers along major highways. The goal is to enable long-distance EV travel, but slow spending threatens this objective.
Key findings: Who is fastest and slowest?
According to the Sierra Club report, only 10 states have spent more than 50% of their funding, while 40 states have not exceeded 25%. The fastest states include California, New York, and Texas. The slowest include South Dakota and Wyoming. The report warns that slow states risk losing their funding if they do not accelerate.
Why is progress slow?
The report cites reasons such as bureaucracy, lack of expertise in charger installation, difficulty obtaining permits, and local resistance from communities that do not want chargers.
How much has been spent so far?
As of the end of 2025, approximately $1.2 billion of the $5 billion allocated has been spent, or just 24%. This means $3.8 billion remains unused. The report warns that this slow pace could hinder the Biden administration’s plan to install 500,000 chargers by 2030.
What does this mean for EV drivers?
For consumers, this means the fast-charger network remains incomplete, especially in rural areas. Interstate travel can be difficult in some regions, discouraging EV purchases. The report urges states to speed up procedures.
What are the Sierra Club’s recommendations?
The report recommends: 1) simplifying permits, 2) hiring specialized staff, 3) partnering with the private sector, and 4) setting strict deadlines. It also encourages citizens to pressure their local governments.
How does this affect the Gulf market?
For the Gulf, where charging networks are expanding rapidly (e.g., Saudi Arabia and UAE), this serves as a lesson in the importance of swift planning. While Gulf countries advance charger deployment, the US faces bureaucratic challenges that could hinder the electric transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEVI program?
NEVI is a $5 billion federal initiative to build a network of fast EV chargers along US highways, aiming to enable long-distance EV travel.
Why is charger deployment slow?
The report cites bureaucracy, lack of installation expertise, difficult permits, and local resistance. Some states lack specialized staff.
Which states are fastest and slowest?
Fastest: California, New York, Texas. Slowest: South Dakota, Wyoming. Only 10 states have spent more than half their funds.
Can states lose funding if they don't speed up?
Yes, the report warns that slow states risk losing federal funding if they do not use it within the deadline, potentially disrupting the national network.
Sources
- CleanTechnica — Faster but Not Fast Enough: States’ Rollout of Federal EV Charging Funds Has a Long Way to Go, Per Sierra Club Analysis
