FHWA Releases Updated NEVI Formula Program Q&A and Fully Built Out Certification Guidance
On December 11, FHWA published new questions and answers to the NEVI Program Q&A and announced revisions to the Fully Built Out Certification (FBO) of its NEVI guidance. The FBO certification changes are significant and is already being applauded by state DOTs. The updated NEVI Q&A guidance does not change the NEVI minimum standards for use of Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, but clarifies commonly asked questions related to the use of other connectors, such as J3400 (NACS).
Below we’ve highlighted and summarized some of the more significant aspects from both the updated Q&A website and FBO certification changes.
NEVI Program Q&A
A few highlights and summaries from the updated Q&A:
1.2: Can NEVI Formula Program funds be used to purchase adaptors?
Answer: Yes, as long as they are:
- Compatible with and ancillary to a permanently attached CCS connector
- Approved by the charger manufacturer
- Is fully integrated into the charger such that it cannot be removed from the site
- Otherwise complies with the NEVI Formula Program requirements.
1.3: Can NEVI and other Title 23 funds be used to purchase J3400 connectors and supporting equipment?
Answer: Yes. J3400 connectors (both DC and AC) and supporting equipment can be installed on existing or new electric vehicle chargers using NEVI Formula Program funds or other eligible Title 23 U.S.C. funds.
1.4: What is the current status of the process to finalize the J3400 standard?
Answer: The J3400 standard (NACS) became an industry Recommended Practice, following a vote on November 5, 2024, by the SAE Task Force. The J3400 standard is an open and interoperable standard designed to ensure seamless charging across EV manufacturers and infrastructure providers. All major automakers have committed to transition to the J3400 inlet for future models starting in 2025.
2.33: What programs, other than the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), meet the requirements of 23 CFR 680.106(j)(1) for electricians installing, operating or maintaining EVSE?
Answer: Currently, the following programs meet the requirements under 23 CFR 680.106(j)(1)(ii):
- The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Electric Vehicle Charging Station Training Program (IEC Training Advantage).
Please note, the majority of EVSE-related work involves EVSE technicians, whose roles focus on the technical installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the equipment.
2.34: Is it allowable to require a customer of an EV charger to use a mobile application in order to access charging and/or payment?
Answer: No, this would not comply with 23 CFR 680. Providing an option for access to charging or payment for charging through a mobile application is allowable, however, specific payment methods must be provided in accordance with 23 CFR 680.106(f).
The additional questions provide information pertinent to the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program (RAA), charger standards, charger connectors, curbside charging, payment processing, exception requests, medium- and heavy-duty charging, and other general questions.
FHWA and the Joint Office will host a webinar on Dec. 17 to provide additional information for stakeholders on the state of the market for the SAE J3400 connector.
Fully Built Out Certification (FBO)
The major changes in the “full built-out certification” guidance are points 2 and 3 below.
“All creditable stations are either (1) operational, (2) contracts for construction have been executed, or (3) notices to proceed have been issued for construction at all sites, or any combination of (1), (2), and (3). While working to fully build out AFCs, States are encouraged to engage communities to begin planning activities beyond their AFCs.”
Previously, every required AFC NEVI-funded station in a state had to be open and working for the state to be AFC NEVI certified by FHWA. Once a state was certified, FHWA would release funding for the second phase of NEVI where funds can be used for community locations and Level 2 chargers, in addition to DC fast chargers along highway corridors.
With the above changes, states can become AFC certified when all AFC corridor locations have either executed contracts for construction, issued notices to proceed for construction at all sites, stations are operational, or any combination of the three.
This is a significant change and means that states can now move much more quickly into the second phase of the NEVI program and funding. To provide an example, previously a state with say 50 AFC sites could only be certified by FHWA when all 50 sites were open, operational, and in compliance with NEVI requirements. So if 49 sites met these requirements, but a single site had lengthy days due to an issue with the utility, site host, or inability to get switchgear or charging hardware, or other issues — the state could not be certified.
Because fast charging stations typically can take one year or more from a contract signing to a station being operational, this change means that most states will likely be able to tap into the second phase of NEVI funding about one year sooner than under the previous FOB certification requirements.
We applaud FHWA for this change, especially in the current and upcoming political environment, as it should lead to more chargers being deployed at the community level more quickly — which is just as critical to EV adoption and reducing charger anxiety as is adding fast chargers to eliminate charging deserts on our nation’s highways.
