Billions Back in Play for EV Infrastructure
A federal judge just gave the U.S. electric vehicle market a major jolt. On June 25, Judge Tana Lin ruled that the Trump administration must release billions in EV charger funding that had been frozen earlier this year. The ruling affects 14 states, including key players like California, New York, and Arizona.
Funding Block Challenged—and Overturned
The $5 billion program, passed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law during the Biden administration, was meant to jumpstart national EV charger development. By early 2024, $3.3 billion had already been made available. However, the Trump administration ordered states to halt spending as it worked on “new guidance.”
That pause triggered lawsuits from 16 states and D.C., arguing that the freeze lacked legal basis. Judge Lin agreed with most of them, stating the executive branch overstepped its authority and violated the Constitution.
What Happens Next?
The court’s order takes effect on July 2, unless appealed. While D.C., Minnesota, and Vermont didn’t meet the threshold for immediate funding, the rest can now resume projects previously stalled.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta applauded the decision, saying it stops an “unconstitutional” attempt to sideline climate-forward infrastructure.
Why It Matters for EV Growth
The halted funds had already impacted several ongoing projects, especially in states like New York where $120 million was on hold. EV infrastructure development has faced delays due to complex permitting, electrical upgrades, and contracting issues—this ruling could clear a major bottleneck.
The court’s decision sends a clear message: EV infrastructure, once approved by Congress, cannot be blocked at will. In a market racing toward electrification, this isn’t just a legal win—it’s a strategic reset.
With chargers finally back on track, the question is no longer if the U.S. will electrify its roads, but how fast it can get there.
