NJ spent $0 on EV chargers despite $300M federal grant

New Jersey is sitting on nearly $300 million in federal funding allocated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program — money specifically earmarked to expand the state's EV charging network. Despite the funds being available, not one charging station has been built as a result of this allocation, according to a report by the Asbury Park Press.

Administrative delays, slow permitting processes, and contracting challenges are cited as the main reasons for the standstill. This is a significant concern as EV adoption accelerates across the US, and drivers increasingly depend on reliable public charging infrastructure for longer trips.

The NEVI program was established under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which set aside $5 billion nationally to build a network of fast chargers along major highways. States were required to submit implementation plans, but translating approved plans into actual construction has proven far more difficult than anticipated in many cases.

New Jersey's situation is not unique — several US states have struggled to deploy NEVI funds quickly. For European readers, this mirrors challenges seen in EU co-funded EV infrastructure projects, where lengthy procurement rules and local permitting can delay delivery by years. The core lesson: funding is necessary but not sufficient — execution capacity and streamlined regulation are equally critical for the electric mobility transition.