The $1.2 trillion in funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) contains substantial opportunities for innovators, cleantech businesses, community organizations, and local governments across the U.S. to access funding and build out new infrastructure supporting decarbonization. Our first entry into the Breaking Down the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law blog series provided an overview of what was included in the law and how to stay up to date on announcements related to BIL.

We are now covering the more than $18.6 billion in funding for electric vehicles that’s included in BIL. A large portion of that $18.6B goes toward programs at the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). It also encompasses grants for charging and fueling infrastructure, bus electrification, low-emission ferries, battery recycling, and more.

What is the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation?

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation was established by BIL to support the deployment of $7.5 billion to build out a national electric vehicle (EV) charging network. A major part of this initiative is the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which provides funding to states to deploy EV charging infrastructure and build an interconnected network. NEVI has a special focus on filling gaps in rural, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach locations. The Joint Office will align resources and expertise across the DOE and DOT and serve as a critical component in the implementation of the BIL. It will provide support and expertise to a multitude of programs focused on deploying a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses.

The Joint Office is currently looking for Electric Vehicle Charging Fellows to coordinate and leverage activities across the two agencies. Fellows will support the Joint Office’s mission of accelerating an electrified transportation system that is affordable, convenient, equitable, reliable, and safe. On its website, you’ll find information about technical assistance for states and key stakeholders, data and tools that outline existing EV charging corridors and other relevant information, NEVI Formula Program overview and implementation guidance, and more.

What EV-related funding opportunities and programs have been announced?

At the beginning of May, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced $3.16B in funding opportunities centered on manufacturing batteries and bolstering domestic supply chains. There are two funding opportunities included in this announcement:

• Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing – supports the creation of new, retrofitted, and expanded commercial facilities, manufacturing demonstrations, and battery recycling.
• Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications – focuses on second life applications for EV batteries and recycling materials back into the battery supply chain.

Other programs:

• In April, DOT’s Federal Highway Administration announced the new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) that unlocks $6.4B in funding from BIL over 5 years. This program will help states and localities reduce emissions through infrastructure projects, such as installing EV infrastructure for freight or personal vehicles, constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, and facilitating micro-mobility and biking.
• The $5 million lithium-battery workforce initiative will support 5 pilot training programs in the energy and automotive communities and advance partnerships between industry and labor for the domestic lithium battery supply chain.
• In March, DOT also announced funding available for modernizing bus fleets and facilities through the purchase of low- or no-emission vehicles, rehabilitation of old fleets, and creation of new facilities.
• The Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program is a series of three discretionary grant programs for “shovel-worthy” projects available for multijurisdictional or regional projects, rural surface transportation projects, and highway, freight, and rail projects.

What else should I know?

DOT has many resources available regarding BIL implementation, including state-by-state fact sheets highlighting what BIL will deliver in your state and a toolkit for rural EV infrastructure. DOT also has a list of upcoming BIL funding opportunities that will be made available in the coming months; these include the Transit-Oriented Development planning program and University Transportation Centers program, that are set to announce in May.

Much of this funding is only available for public entities, such as state, local governments, and schools. However, public entities typically work with the private sector to plan, build, own, and maintain new infrastructure. By familiarizing yourself with available funding opportunities, you can more effectively approach prospective clients to discuss partnership opportunities. Check in your own state and local government to make sure they’re aware of these opportunities and see how your business or non-profit can get involved with bringing new electric vehicle infrastructure to your community!

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Want to know more about BIL? Explore additional entries to the Breaking Down the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law series to discover new programs created by this $1.2T investment.