The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has launched the Community Charging phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme, allocating $100 million in federal funding to expand publicly accessible EV charging across the state.
Funding will be distributed region by region throughout 2026, beginning with southeastern Pennsylvania. The first tranche of approximately $34 million will cover Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Local transportation planning agencies will identify priority locations, though any publicly accessible site within the region may apply.
Subsequent funding rounds are scheduled for western Pennsylvania in April–May 2026, followed by eastern and central regions in August–September. To support project development, PennDOT has also launched a survey to connect interested organisations with charging station developers and operators for joint applications.
The initiative builds on earlier investments under the NEVI programme. According to Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, Pennsylvania currently leads the United States in NEVI-funded station deployment, with 29 sites already delivered at a cost of $17 million. An additional 54 locations are in planning or under construction. Since the first NEVI-funded station opened in December 2023, the network has recorded more than 80,000 charging sessions.
PennDOT also confirmed that awards from a separate NEVI Corridor Connections funding round—targeting major routes beyond designated Alternative Fuel Corridors—will be announced soon.
Under federal rules, NEVI funding covers up to 80% of eligible project costs. To qualify, charging stations must be non-proprietary, publicly accessible around the clock, and support open payment methods. Each site must be capable of charging at least four vehicles simultaneously at a minimum of 150 kW per port, even under full utilisation. Stations must also meet strict uptime requirements and provide both CCS and NACS (SAE J3400) connectors.
Regional leaders welcomed the investment as a step toward broader EV adoption. “The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission applauds PennDOT’s leadership in expanding community charging facilities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Executive Director Ariella Maron, adding that the programme will improve mobility from rural communities to urban centres.
Josh Maxwell, Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, said the county—home to the highest number of EV registrations in the state—stands to benefit significantly. He described the funding as a “very exciting and meaningful investment” that will help expand charging access across the region.
