Regulatory information
The federal programs, codes and standards that shape EV charging deployment, summarized and linked to the documents that govern them.
Summaries, not legal advice. Facts on this page were last reviewed October 27, 2026. Rules change: always confirm with the primary source and with the agency that runs the program.
Federal programs
NEVI Formula Program
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, gives state DOTs $5 billion over fiscal years 2022–2026 for public DC fast charging, starting with designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. After a suspension in early 2025, FHWA issued interim final guidance on August 11, 2025 that superseded all earlier guidance. Each state runs its own solicitations under an approved deployment plan.
Current status ·FHWA interim final guidance (PDF) ·CRS report R48996
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grants
A competitive grant program, also created in 2021, that funds charging and alternative-fuel infrastructure in communities and along corridors. CFI projects are also subject to the 23 CFR 680 minimum standards.
23 CFR 680: federal minimum standards
FHWA's final rule of February 28, 2023 sets minimum standards for chargers funded under Title 23. The main requirements:
| Area | Requirement (summary) | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Power and ports | Corridor DC stations: at least four CCS ports, each able to deliver 150 kW at the same time | 680.106 |
| Availability | Open to the public 24 hours a day, year-round, on corridors | 680.106 |
| Payment | Contactless payment, no membership required; price shown in $/kWh before the session starts | 680.106 |
| Networking | Networked chargers; OCPP 2.0.1 between charger and network; ISO 15118 hardware support | 680.108 |
| Uptime | Average annual uptime greater than 97% per port | 680.116 |
| Workforce | Electricians certified through EVITP or a registered apprenticeship program | 680.106 |
| Data | Quarterly and annual reporting; real-time status and price shared with third-party apps | 680.112, 680.116 |
| Equipment | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory | 680.106 |
Read 23 CFR 680 on eCFR ·Final rule (88 FR 12724)
Buy America
Federally funded chargers must meet Buy America requirements for steel, iron and manufactured products. FHWA issued a waiver in 2023 that phased in domestic-content requirements for EV chargers. Confirm compliance with the manufacturer in writing before you buy for a funded project.
Section 30C tax credit (ended)
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit does not apply to property placed in service after June 30, 2026. Details.
Codes and standards
| Document | Covers |
|---|---|
| NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 625 | Installation of EV charging equipment: circuit sizing, disconnects, ventilation, load management |
| UL 2594 / UL 2202 / UL 9741 | Product safety for AC EVSE, DC chargers, and bidirectional equipment |
| SAE J1772, SAE J3400 | Connector and inlet standards for North America |
| ISO 15118 | Vehicle-to-charger communication, Plug & Charge, bidirectional charging |
| OCPP | Charger-to-network communication |
| NIST Handbook 44, section 3.40 | Weights and measures for selling electricity as vehicle fuel |
| U.S. Access Board guidance | Accessible design of charging stations |
State and local rules
States add their own requirements: incentive programs, utility make-ready rules, building codes requiring EV-ready parking, pricing disclosure rules and reliability standards. The Department of Energy maintains a searchable database of them.
Frequently asked questions
Do the NEVI minimum standards apply to chargers that are not federally funded?
No. 23 CFR 680 applies to projects funded under Title 23, including NEVI and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program. Many states and utilities adopt similar requirements for their own programs, so check the program's terms.
Can a funded site install J3400 (NACS) connectors?
Yes, alongside CCS. The rule requires each DC port to support CCS; FHWA has stated that additional connector types, J3400 included, are allowed. See our article on J3400 and federal funding.
Who certifies the electricians who install funded chargers?
Federal minimum standards require electricians certified through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or a registered apprenticeship program that includes EVSE-specific training, with limited exceptions.
Is the 30C federal tax credit still available?
Not for new installations. Section 30C does not apply to property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
Can public chargers bill by the kilowatt-hour?
In most states, yes. States have adopted NIST Handbook 44's requirements for electric vehicle fueling systems so that metered energy sales are accurate and the price is displayed. Federal minimum standards require funded chargers to price in dollars per kWh.
Spotted a rule that has changed? Tell us.