Southeastern States Secure $679 Million for National EV Charging Network
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) played a critical role in unlocking $679 million in federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the Southeast. The funding, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, was initially frozen by the Trump Administration, delaying the development of a nationwide fast-charging network.
The lawsuit, filed alongside nearly two dozen states and nonprofits, challenged the unlawful freeze. SACE represented Southeastern states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, submitting witness testimony from EV drivers on the region’s need for accessible charging stations.
U.S. District Court Judge Tana Lin ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ensuring states can implement their NEVI plans and receive full federal funding. The decision safeguards regional EV infrastructure investments and supports over 211,000 jobs tied to the EV and battery supply chain.
Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of SACE, highlighted the victory as a step toward modernizing the Southeast’s transportation system and expanding access to affordable electric mobility. The ruling guarantees that the national EV fast-charging network will serve the Southeast, enabling long-distance travel and supporting the region’s growing EV manufacturing sector.
Source: cleanenergy.org
