Alaska - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program

Summary

Note: The Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program with a total budget of $5 billion. Each state was allocated a share of that total to help build out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). With some limited exceptions, EV charging stations funded through the NEVI program should be spaced 50 miles apart and within one mile of the Interstate exit or highway.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities is the designated lead agency for NEVI, but administration of the program is being led by the Alaska Energy Authority. The two agencies submitted Alaska's initial NEVI Plan to the federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation on August 1, 2022, and its FY2024 Update was submitted on August 1, 2023.

Within the first two years, Alaska plans to build out a network of fast chargers to connect Anchorage to Fairbanks, which is the state's only designated alternative fuel corridor. None of the corridor's existing chargers meet NEVI standards, so they will all need to be replaced. Phase 2 will build out fast chargers along non-AFC highways and the Alaska Marine Highway System, Phase 3 will install (Level 2) chargers in rural hub communities, and Phase 4 will develop (Level 2 and fast) charging sites in urban and "destination" locations.

The AEA released the Phase 1 Request for Applications on March 1, 2023; applications were due by May 15, 2023. Awards were announced in September 2023 for nine sites. Construction began in spring 2024.