NEVI is the federal program paying for much of the fast charging going up along Texas highways, and now in rural county seats. Here’s what it is, what a NEVI station has to include, where Texas stands in 2026, and what it means if you own land or run a town that wants chargers.
What is NEVI?
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, NEVI for short, is a federal formula program created by the 2021 infrastructure law. Each state receives money to build public DC fast charging, first along designated highway corridors and then in the communities between them.
The money flows through each state’s department of transportation. In Texas, that’s TxDOT. Private companies and local governments apply to TxDOT, and federal funds can cover up to 80% of eligible costs. The rest comes from the applicant.
What a NEVI station has to include
NEVI-funded chargers must meet federal minimum standards. Federal guidance updated in August 2025 gave states more flexibility on where stations go, but kept the core standards in place:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Power and ports | On designated highway corridors, at least four ports that can each deliver 150 kW at the same time |
| Access | Open to the public, around the clock |
| Uptime | Chargers must meet a minimum uptime standard and report it |
| Payment | Drivers must be able to pay without a membership, such as by card or contactless |
| Data and reporting | Usage, uptime and cost data reported to the federal government |
| Qualified installers | Electricians installing NEVI-funded chargers need EV-specific certification or a registered apprenticeship background |
States add their own rules on top. Many state programs require public restrooms on site or within 1,000 feet, lighting over the chargers and parking, trash cans, cell or Wi-Fi coverage and ADA-accessible charging spaces. Always check the current Texas application for the exact list.
Where Texas stands in 2026
- Phase I is done on paper. In January 2026, the Federal Highway Administration certified Texas’s designated EV corridors as fully built out, counting both NEVI-funded stations and existing private stations that already meet NEVI’s power and port standards.
- Some funding was lost. Texas missed a federal deadline for $84.6 million of its NEVI money in 2025. About $323.5 million had already been obligated and was not affected.
- Phase II reaches smaller towns. It expands the program to 148 county seats, mostly rural, and 24 metropolitan planning areas. A $60 million round took applications until June 12, 2026.
- Phase II sites look a little different. TxDOT expects typical Phase II stations to have four ports with power sharing and at least 300 kW in total. Stations within a mile of a designated corridor still need four ports at 150 kW each.
- Operations are part of the deal. Texas grant agreements cover five years of operations and maintenance at each location.
What this means for small towns
Phase II is the first time NEVI money is aimed squarely at county seats rather than interstate exits. A town that wants to become a charging stop, or a landowner with a good site near downtown, now has a funding path worth watching. Our guide on turning a small Texas town into a road-trip charging stop covers the amenities and site planning side.
Who can apply
Both public and private entities can apply, including local governments, businesses, charging companies and property owners. In practice, many applications are partnerships: a site host provides the land, a charging company or owner provides the equipment and operations, and a contractor builds the site.
How a NEVI project comes together
- Find a qualifying site. In an eligible county seat, metro area or near a designated corridor, with room for at least four charging spaces and nearby amenities.
- Check the power. Ask the utility what service is available and what a new transformer would take. This often decides the schedule.
- Form the team. Site host, equipment owner or charging network, and an electrical contractor with qualified installers.
- Apply when a round opens. Applications include the site, design, budget, the 20% match and an operations plan.
- Build, open and report. Construct the station, pass inspection, open it to the public and report uptime and usage for the life of the agreement.
NEVI or private funding?
NEVI money lowers the upfront cost, but it comes with standards, reporting and a multi-year commitment. Many fast-charging sites in Texas are built entirely with private money by charging networks, retailers and travel centers, without those strings. Which path fits depends on your site, your budget and how much control you want.
How we help
We’re a Texas electrical contractor focused on EV charging. For towns, landowners and developers exploring a NEVI or privately funded site, we can assess the site and its electrical service, coordinate with the utility, design the layout and handle the installation through commissioning. Our commercial EV charging page has more on how we work.
Looking at a NEVI site?
Tell us where the site is and what you have in mind. We’ll help you figure out what it can support and what it would take to build.
Frequently asked questions
What does NEVI stand for?
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. It’s a federal program that funds public DC fast charging through each state’s department of transportation.
How much does NEVI pay for?
Up to 80% of eligible project costs. The applicant covers the remaining 20%, along with any costs the program doesn’t cover.
Can a private business apply for NEVI funding in Texas?
Yes. Both public and private entities can apply to TxDOT when a funding round is open, and many projects are partnerships between a site host, a charging company and a contractor.
Do NEVI stations need restrooms?
Federal rules focus on chargers, power, access, uptime and payment. Many state programs add amenity requirements such as restrooms within 1,000 feet, so check the current Texas application.
Is Texas still taking NEVI applications?
Texas ran a $60 million Phase II round that closed June 12, 2026. Future rounds depend on remaining funds, so check TxDOT’s EV charging program for current openings.
Does a NEVI station have to be on a highway?
Not anymore. Phase I focused on designated corridors. Now that Texas’s corridors are certified as built out, Phase II funds sites in county seats and metro areas too.
Sources
- Texas NEVI corridors fully built out certification (FHWA and TxDOT, January 2026)
- NEVI guidance: what’s changed and what’s next (Atlas Public Policy)
- Texas lost $84.6 million in EV charging funds (Environment Texas)
- Applications open for $60 million in EV charger funding for Texas (Environment Texas)
- Example state NEVI technical requirements (North Dakota DOT)