{"id":24226,"date":"2023-09-08T13:34:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T13:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ampeco.com\/?post_type=incentives&p=24226"},"modified":"2025-03-25T12:37:54","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T12:37:54","slug":"entergy-etech-program-fuels-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-arkansas","status":"publish","type":"incentives","link":"https:\/\/www.ampeco.com\/de\/ev-charging-grants-incentives\/entergy-etech-program-fuels-electric-vehicle-adoption-in-arkansas\/","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas NEVI Formula Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last updated: March 25, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, all NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funding has been frozen by the new administration until further notice. Contracts for approved projects that have already been signed will still receive funding, but for projects that were approved but not yet signed, it is highly likely that they will not receive funding. This has created significant uncertainty for stakeholders in the electric vehicle infrastructure sector, as many had been anticipating the funds to move forward with their projects. The future of these approvals remains unclear, depending on the administration’s review and potential changes to its priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, and with that comes the need for more charging stations. Arkansas is participating in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)<\/a>. The goal of the program is to create a network of 500,000 EV charging stations across the country by 2030, including a significant number in Arkansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEVI Formula program overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The NEVI program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to expand EV charging infrastructure along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC)<\/a>. These corridors are key highways that will have charging stations to ensure drivers can travel without worrying about charging their EVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) <\/a>will oversee the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment (EVID) Plan, which includes issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluating projects, and selecting entities to install charging stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funding and financial structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The NEVI program will fund up to 80% of the costs for eligible projects, with the remaining 20% being covered by the awardee. The funding can be used for preconstruction activities, equipment installation, maintenance, and network connection. ARDOT will retain a portion of the funding for state administrative costs, and awardees will be required to cover these costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requirements for charging stations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

EV charging stations funded by the NEVI program must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Location: Stations must be along designated AFCs or at publicly accessible locations if the AFCs in Arkansas are fully built out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Capacity: Stations should be able to charge multiple vehicles at once and be open to both public and commercial vehicles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Data Sharing: Charging stations must share data on their usage and availability with ARDOT.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These guidelines ensure that the infrastructure meets the needs of users and is functional for long-term use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Selection process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Projects will be selected through a competitive procurement process. ARDOT will review proposals based on specific criteria such as feasibility, alignment with the state\u2019s goals, and the proposer\u2019s qualifications. Once selected, the awardee will sign an agreement with ARDOT to begin implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Apply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Interested parties can apply through a competitive procurement process. The application deadlines and relevant steps are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n