The NEVI Program: 2026 Status and Compliance Guide
What is the NEVI Program?
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is a $5 billion federal initiative designed to build a unified, high-speed EV charging network across the United States. Following a transformative 2025 that saw major administrative shifts and judicial clarity, the program is now in its final, most critical phase.
For developers, site hosts, and fleet operators, navigating the 2026 NEVI landscape requires a partner who understands the rigorous technical mandates and the new flexibility granted to states.
2026 Program Overview: The "New NEVI"
The NEVI program has evolved. While the core mission remains the deployment of 500,000 chargers by 2030, the August 2025 Interim Guidance and subsequent federal court rulings have streamlined how funds are released and where chargers can be placed.
Key 2026 Status Updates
Funding Unlocked: Following the June 2025 court order and the January 2026 final ruling in Washington v. DOT, the federal government has fully released all obligated funds, ensuring states can proceed with Solicitation Rounds 3, 4, and 5.
Increased Flexibility: States are no longer strictly bound to the "50-mile spacing" rule. If a state can justify that a corridor is "fully built out," they can now redirect NEVI funds to rural roads, secondary highways, and Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MDHD) charging hubs.
Final Apportionment: The FY2026 apportionment of $885 million is currently being distributed to states that have submitted updated deployment plans.
Technical Standards & Compliance Requirements
To qualify for 80% federal cost coverage, projects must meet strict federal and state-level specifications. Failure to maintain these standards can result in a clawback of funds.
1. The 97% Uptime Mandate
Reliability is the non-negotiable cornerstone of NEVI. Each port must maintain an average annual uptime of at least 97%.
Automated Reporting: Compliance is tracked via the EV-ChART tool. Manual logs are no longer sufficient; your CPMS must automate quarterly data submissions on energy dispensed, peak power, and downtime.
2. Dual-Connector Standard (NACS + CCS)
By early 2026, the industry has standardized. New NEVI sites are now generally required to include:
CCS Type 1: The legacy federal standard.
NACS (J3400): Now mandated by the majority of states (including California and Texas) to accommodate the current vehicle market.
3. Power and Capacity
Minimum Power: Each station must feature at least four 150 kW DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) operating simultaneously.
Voltage Range: Supports output voltages between 250V DC and 920V DC to ensure compatibility with both current 400V and next-gen 800V/900V vehicle architectures.
4. Software & Security
OCPP 2.0.1 Compliance: As of 2026, chargers must conform to OCPP 2.0.1 to ensure advanced security, improved diagnostics, and "Plug & Charge" (ISO 15118) functionality.
Open Payment: Must support contactless payment without requiring a specific app or membership.
California NEVI Spotlight (2026 Deadlines)
California remains the most competitive landscape for NEVI funding. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has shifted focus toward MDHD electrification and completion of the light-duty network.
| Solicitation | Focus Area | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| GFO-25-602 (Solicitation 3) | Light-Duty Corridor Completion | March 25, 2026 |
| GFO-25-604 (Solicitation 4) | MDHD Charging (North/Central) | April 22, 2026 |
| GFO-25-606 (Solicitation 5) | MDHD Charging (South) | May 7, 2026 |
Why do I need Fast Chargers?
DC Fast Chargers are vital for boosting electric vehicle use. They charge quickly, are easy to access, and support long trips. They're convenient for EV owners and help businesses attract EV customers. Adding fast chargers to your site can result in:
More customers coming to your site
Provide customers with convenient amenities
Improve customer retention
Monetize charging and start to see a return on your investment
Brand your business as a green company
Why Partner with EV Range?
EV Range provides a turnkey, NEVI-compliant ecosystem designed to de-risk your investment and maximize uptime.
NEVI-Ready CSMS: Our software is fully compliant and automates the complex quarterly data reporting required by federal law.
Buy America Compliance: We partner with leading hardware manufacturers that meet the latest Build America, Buy America (BABA) domestic sourcing requirements.
Future-Proof Engineering: Our systems support dual-connector (CCS/NACS) configurations and high-voltage architectures up to 950V.