States Double EV Charging Infrastructure Progress but Still Fall Short, Sierra Club Report Reveals

Amid rising gas prices and tight state budgets, a new analysis from the Sierra Club reveals that states have accelerated their use of federal funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging networks—but the pace remains insufficient to meet ambitious national goals. The report highlights both encouraging gains and persistent gaps, with some states leaving federal dollars on the table that could help drivers make the switch to electric. Here are key questions and answers about the findings.

What is the key finding from the Sierra Club's latest analysis of federal EV charging funds?

The Sierra Club's report shows that in 2025, states more than doubled their progress in deploying federal funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which aims to build a nationwide highway charging network. However, the overall implementation remains far behind schedule. While some states have awarded contracts and broken ground on charging stations, many are still in the planning phase. The report warns that laggards risk missing out on billions of dollars that could accelerate EV adoption, especially as gas prices remain high and consumers look for affordable alternatives. The analysis underscores that despite the speed increase, the rollout is faster but not fast enough to meet the 2030 target for a reliable, accessible charging network.

Which states are leading the charge in deploying NEVI funds, and which are falling behind?

According to the Sierra Club report, a handful of states have emerged as leaders: California, New York, and Florida have quickly moved from planning to construction, awarding contracts and installing chargers along major highways. These states have streamlined permitting and engaged utilities early. On the other hand, several Midwestern and rural states—such as Texas, Oklahoma, and the Dakotas—have made minimal progress, with some having not yet issued a single request for proposals. The report notes that political will, administrative capacity, and existing EV adoption rates play a large role. The consequences of being a laggard can be significant, as unspent funds may be redistributed to more proactive states.

Why is the rollout of federal EV charging funds happening slower than expected?

The slower-than-expected rollout stems from several factors. First, many states lacked experience with large-scale EV infrastructure projects, leading to delays in planning, permitting, and contracting. Supply chain issues for critical components like transformers and charging equipment have also caused bottlenecks. Additionally, some states faced political or bureaucratic resistance, with debates over site selection, utility involvement, and funding allocations. The Sierra Club analysis points out that the NEVI program requires states to submit detailed plans and meet federal standards, which takes time. While progress has doubled in 2025, the initial baseline was extremely low, so the acceleration still leaves most states years behind the original 2025 milestone.

What are the consequences for states that are slow to use the federal EV charging money?

States that fail to deploy the funding face several risks. The most immediate is losing the money entirely, as unspent NEVI funds can be reallocated to other states or projects. This could leave slow-moving states with fewer chargers, making it harder for residents to adopt EVs and potentially hurting local economic development tied to clean energy. High gas prices further pressure state budgets, so missing out on federal support means drivers continue paying more at the pump. The Sierra Club warns that laggard states also risk falling behind in the transition to electric transportation, missing opportunities to attract EV manufacturing and jobs. Ultimately, the cost of inaction is a lost chance to cut transportation emissions, which account for nearly one-third of U.S. greenhouse gases.

How does the current progress compare to the original timeline and goals for the national EV charging network?

The federal NEVI program set an ambitious goal: to deploy 500,000 public charging ports by 2030, with an initial focus on interstate highways. By early 2025, states had only placed a fraction of the planned chargers—less than 10% of the first-phase target. While the doubling of progress in 2025 is encouraging, it still means the original pace would need to increase by roughly five times to stay on track. The Sierra Club report emphasizes that we are not on schedule, and without significant acceleration, the national network will be spotty, limiting EV adoption, especially in rural and underserved areas. The report calls for states to adopt best practices from leaders, such as standardized procurement and pre-approved sites.

What recommendations does the Sierra Club have for accelerating the deployment of EV chargers?

The Sierra Club makes several key recommendations to speed up the rollout. States should streamline permitting and siting processes, utilities must modernize grid connections, and the federal government should provide technical assistance to states with limited capacity. The report also urges states to coordinate regionally, share data on charger performance, and prioritize equity to ensure underserved communities aren't left behind. Additionally, the Sierra Club encourages states to use a portion of the funds for workforce training and community engagement. By adopting these measures, the pace of deployment can increase dramatically, turning federal investments into tangible charging infrastructure that helps drivers go electric without range anxiety.