The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program provides funding to states to build out a strategic electric vehicle charging network along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), in order to establish an interconnected network throughout the U.S. As individual states begin to roll out their NEVI Requests for Proposals (RFPs), there are lessons to be learned from some of the early states.
Ohio is one of the states leading the way with an early RFP release in the fourth quarter of 2022, and an adjusted application deadline landing in January 2023. The first round of awards is expected to be announced in the second quarter, with the subsequent months dedicated to completing reviews and securing approvals for items such as site right of way, utility interconnection, and environmental coordination. This could allow the earliest round of projects to begin construction as early as late Q3 to Q4 of 2023.
With other states planning to announce their NEVI RFPs over the course of the year let’s investigate the lessons learned from the first phase of the Ohio application process to help interested site hosts prepare for the next NEVI-related opportunities.
Funding. Preemptively identify sources of funding and tax credits that can complement your electrification project. On the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center website, go to the State Laws and Incentives page to get the full details about funding options for your state(s). Drilling down into specific state and jurisdictions, you’ll be directed to a page with the related laws and incentives, along with contact information for coalitions and agencies that can inform you of pertinent clean transportation policies, incentives, and funding opportunities.
Space. Make sure your sites have the required space for parking and EV charging equipment. NEVI requirements include the installation of at least four (4) DCFC fast chargers. Anticipate that even with fast chargers, parking and charging results in longer dwell times, and consider the need for queuing and waiting areas as drivers position to charge. Touch base with the local code division and regional authorities regarding ADA standards and ensuring handicap accessibility requirements are being met.
Capacity. Check with the local electric utility to verify load requirements for your project can be met and consider starting the process for new service approvals. We recommend that you invite the utility to your location(s) for a site walk, so that they can assess the viability of the project, identify potential pitfalls, and suggest other site options or potential logistical considerations. Stall placement can be greatly impacted by access to power, and in situations where speed to deploy or future repositioning may be necessary, a modular platform solution might be applicable. These semi-mobile “skids” can be pre-configured for NEVI-compliance and allow for a single point of contact to either the utility or off-grid technologies.
Providers. Interview potential EV charging providers to find a good fit for your sites. Due to the differences and limitations in service scopes provided, this is a critical step in the process that will impact your project long after the stations are built. Some EV charging companies will simply sell the charging hardware and leave the buyer to contract the siting, installation, and maintenance services. While others will only enable their proprietary software to be utilized with their chargers regardless of your need. Ask the right questions to ensure you’re avoiding hidden future costs and getting the support and coverage you need including:
Can I use other hardware on the network you’re providing?
Can I use another network on the hardware you’re providing?
Will I own the collected data?
Will I have a right to station revenue, how much will I get?
Does your offer include ongoing maintenance, service, warranty, and ensure site compliance?
5. Does your offer include ongoing maintenance, service, warranty, and ensure site compliance? Contact Livingston Energy Group for a no-obligation review of your options and plans. Livingston is a full turnkey solution provider for EV charging, providing the siting, funding services, installation, and ongoing support and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure. We offer a wide range of EV charging hardware and software products, including American-made options, ongoing 24/7 U.S.-based customer service, remote support and troubleshooting, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Find out more about how Livingston can help you bridge the 20% of costs not covered by NEVI funding with different ownership-revenue models including site-host owned, cooperative investment and co-ownership, and Livingston-owned solutions.
Use NEVI funding and Connect to America’s growing charging network with Livingston.