The Biden-Harris administration, on Thursday, announced a $51 million Ride and Drive Electric funding opportunity through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the electrification of the nation’s transportation sector and spur private sector investments in clean transportation.
This funding will help to increase reliability of chargers by providing funding for validating and testing charging equipment and increase opportunities for underserved communities through new jobs and training resources.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are developing a robust and reliable EV charging network that is accessible in all communities and easy to use for all riders and drivers,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Rapidly modernizing and electrifying key parts of our transportation sector is how we’ll meet consumer needs and achieve widespread electrification.”
In addition, the government announced the establishment of the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX), with the purpose of accelerating the development of immediate, practical solutions that prioritize a convenient, trustworthy, fair, and user-friendly charging experience for every American, with chargers that are made in America.
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will administer the Ride and Drive Electric program and has funded DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory to lead the National Charging Experience Consortium.
The objective of ChargeX is to help the EV industry achieve first-time plug-in success every time a customer uses public charging infrastructure. ChargeX will collaborate with organizations on usability and accessibility issues. The Consortium already has commitments from nearly 30 companies and organizations that are working to support the deployment of a reliable national charging network.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are creating a new generation of good-paying jobs building the vehicles of the future and the infrastructure that supports them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The EV revolution is well underway, and this funding will help to ensure that every American can access the benefits and count on a reliable EV charging network across the country.”