NEVI Program Compliance: What EV Charger Buyers Need to Know in 2026
As the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program enters its next phase in 2026, businesses, municipalities, and charging network operators face increasingly stringent requirements for deploying federally funded EV charging stations.
What Is the NEVI Program?
The NEVI program provides \$5 billion in federal funding to build a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. Funded projects must meet strict technical, operational, and sourcing standards administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Key NEVI Funding Requirements in 2026
Corridor-Centric Deployment Charging stations must be installed along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), with a maximum spacing of 50 miles between sites and no more than 1 mile from highway exits.
Minimum Connector and Power Standards Each NEVI-funded site must include at least four DC charging station ports capable of simultaneously delivering 150 kW or greater. Stations must support CCS standard and, as of late 2024, must also include NACS connectors.
Interoperability and Open Standards Payment systems must accept multiple forms of payment without requiring proprietary memberships. Charging networks must participate in roaming agreements.
Data Reporting and Transparency Operators must provide real-time availability data through open APIs and report detailed usage and reliability metrics quarterly.
Buy America Provisions
One of the most significant requirements is the Buy America provision:
- All iron, steel, and manufactured products must be produced in the United States.
- EV chargers must be assembled in the U.S. from domestically sourced components.
- Domestic content must meet or exceed 55% for manufactured products.
The 97% Uptime Requirement
Every NEVI-funded charging port must maintain 97% availability over a calendar year—excluding only scheduled maintenance reported in advance.
A single port down for more than ~11 days per year puts the entire site at risk of non-compliance.
How to Select a NEVI Compliant EV Charger
| Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Minimum 150 kW per port; 600A current capability preferred |
| Connectors | CCS1 + NACS (dual-cable or native dual-connector heads) |
| Certification | UL 2594, UL 991, FCC Part 15 |
| Buy America | U.S. assembly + 55%+ domestic content; vendor affidavit required |
| OCPP Support | OCPP 1.6J or 2.0.1 with security profile B or higher |
| Payment | Contactless credit card, mobile, RFID; no subscription walls |
| Warranty | Minimum 3-year comprehensive; 5-year preferred |
| Uptime Architecture | Modular power design; remote diagnostics; field-replaceable units |
FBK POWER's NEVI-Ready Product Lineup
FBK POWER has engineered its commercial charging portfolio specifically to exceed NEVI program standards:
- **180 kW–360 kW DC Fast Chargers** — 150 kW+ per port with liquid-cooled cables, modular power architecture, and native CCS/NACS connector support.
- **22 kW–43 kW AC Charging Stations** — Ruggedized Level 2 units with OCPP integration and ADA-compliant pedestals.
- **Complete Compliance Documentation** — UL test reports, Buy America affidavits, domestic content cost breakdowns, and OCPP conformance certificates.
Conclusion
Securing NEVI funding in 2026 requires more than finding a low-cost charger. It demands a strategic approach to compliance. By selecting a NEVI compliant EV charger from a manufacturer with verified U.S. production, robust certifications, and proven field reliability, buyers can de-risk their projects and accelerate time to revenue.
Ready to deploy a NEVI-compliant charging site? Contact FBK POWER to review your project requirements.
