Raleigh is the only city in North Carolina to receive funding in the latest round of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure grants from the Biden administration. The $635 million in grants, part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, includes $2.4 million for the deployment of 56 EV charging ports across the city.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced the funding to prioritize multifamily residences, city fleet needs, and disadvantaged communities. According to the DOT, 66% of the funds will be directed to underserved areas, reflecting the administration’s focus on equitable infrastructure development.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the initiative’s broader goals. “The Biden administration has made historic investments to support the EV transition and make sure it’s made in America,” he said. He emphasized the importance of building an accessible EV charging network, making recharging as convenient as fueling up at a gas station.
The EV chargers planned for Raleigh will include direct current fast charging equipment capable of recharging a vehicle battery to 80% within 20 minutes to one hour. This technology aims to make EV adoption more practical for everyday drivers and long-distance travelers.
North Carolina faces significant challenges in meeting its zero-emission vehicle goals. As of the latest data, the state has fewer than 120,000 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) registered compared to over 8 million combustion engine vehicles. Former Gov. Roy Cooper set an ambitious goal in 2022 to reach 1.25 million ZEVs by 2030.
To meet this target, the state needs to add approximately 19,000 ZEVs per month over the next five years. However, recent trends indicate a slower pace, with only 20,000 new ZEV registrations recorded over a nine-month period between October 2023 and June 2024.
Raleigh’s federal funding boost aims to address the infrastructure gap, a critical barrier to achieving widespread EV adoption. As the state works toward its ambitious goals, the project could serve as a model for other cities looking to expand their EV networks and accommodate the growing demand for clean transportation options.
