Maybe Old Joe really does know what time it is. The Biden administration has announced the opening of a $2.5 billion funding program aimed at expanding access to electric vehicle chargers and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities across the United States.

The program, which will provide funding over the next five years to eligible applicants including states, cities, local agencies, and tribes, is part of the administration’s efforts to increase EV charging access in rural, underserved, and overburdened communities.

“Expanding access to EV charging infrastructure is critical to achieving our goal of a clean energy future,” said Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “This funding will help ensure that all Americans have access to the benefits of electric vehicles, no matter where they live.”

The program is expected to accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the country and help bridge the gap in access to charging for those living in underserved communities.

Close-up on an electric car charger plugged into car on public parking with electric charging stations.

“Electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and we need to make sure that everyone has access to the charging infrastructure they need,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “This program will help us build a more equitable and sustainable transportation system for all Americans.”

The announcement was welcomed by environmental groups and industry leaders alike.

“This is a major step forward in our efforts to transition to a clean energy economy,” said Gina McCarthy, President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Expanding access to EV charging infrastructure is essential if we are going to meet our climate goals and reduce harmful air pollution.”

The program is expected to have a significant impact on the adoption of electric vehicles in the United States. According to a recent report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, lack of access to charging infrastructure is one of the main barriers to widespread EV adoption.

“This funding will help accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. “We applaud the administration’s efforts to expand access to EV charging infrastructure and look forward to working with them to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

The $2.5 billion funding program is just one part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to combat climate change and transition to a clean energy economy. In addition to expanding access to EV charging infrastructure, the administration has also proposed investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and public transportation.

As the United States continues its transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, programs like this one will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that all Americans have access to clean transportation options.

ElectricMag’s Take: The key element that will tip the scales towards electrification is when the recharging infrastructure reaches parity with gas stations, i.e. a charger on every corner, across the land.  The irony of all this (especially the “underserved communities” part) is the current average cost of a new EV is $66,000!  What good will it do to have infrastructure across the country when few low-income folks could ever float an $800 car payment for SIX YEARS?  What emerges here, is how crucial e-mobility will be in the future. A $2500 e-trike with a big rear cargo box and seats for two kids, maybe the perfect around-town conveyance. Who really needs a three-ton Tesla to run errands?