NEVI Program Requirements: What EV Charging Station Buyers Must Know in 2026
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $5 billion in federal funding to build a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. For charging station buyers, operators, and investors, understanding NEVI requirements is essential to securing reimbursement and avoiding costly compliance failures.
What Is the NEVI Program?
Administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), NEVI provides formula funding to states for deploying DC fast charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). In 2026, the program has expanded beyond interstate highways to include equitable access initiatives and community-based charging.
Key Technical Requirements
To qualify for NEVI funding, charging site deployments must meet strict technical standards:
Minimum Power Output - Each site must include **at least four DC fast charging ports**. - Each port must be capable of simultaneously delivering **150 kW or greater**. - Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors are mandatory. - As of late 2024, **NACS connectors** are also required for broad vehicle compatibility.
Site Location - Stations must be installed along designated AFCs. - Maximum spacing of **50 miles** between sites. - No more than **1 mile** from highway exits or access points.
Interoperability - Payment systems must accept **multiple payment forms** (credit card, mobile, RFID) without requiring proprietary memberships. - Charging networks must participate in **roaming agreements** for seamless cross-network access.
Data Reporting - Real-time availability data through **open APIs**. - Quarterly usage and reliability metrics reported to state agencies.
Buy America Requirements
One of the most significant NEVI 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%** of total component cost.
The 97% Uptime Requirement
Starting in 2024 and fully enforced by 2026, every NEVI-funded charging port must maintain **97% annual uptime**—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.
FBK POWER's NEVI-Ready Solutions
FBK POWER has engineered its commercial charging portfolio to exceed NEVI program standards:
- **180 kW–360 kW DC Fast Chargers** — 150 kW+ per port with CCS/NACS support.
- **U.S. Assembly** — Manufactured and assembled in the United States with documented domestic content ratios exceeding NEVI thresholds.
- **Complete Compliance Documentation** — UL 2594 and UL 991 test reports, Buy America affidavits, domestic content cost breakdowns, and OCPP conformance certificates.
Conclusion
Securing NEVI funding in 2026 requires 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 and receive a tailored hardware recommendation.
