Overview
- FHWA issued a proposal on Feb. 10 to lift the Buy America domestic-content threshold for EV charger components from 55% to as high as 100%, opening a public comment period.
- After reviewing comments, the agency said it could keep the current waiver, change it, or end it, signaling potential shifts in what equipment qualifies for federal dollars.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the move is intended to boost U.S. production, jobs and competitiveness and to guard against foreign components with cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
- Industry groups and advocates warn 100% sourcing is not currently feasible, noting no available charger is fully U.S.-made and arguing the change would delay or halt NEVI-funded projects.
- A recent federal court ordered the administration to release NEVI funds after an unlawful freeze, while Congress has rescinded roughly $800 million and officials have sought to withhold separate charger money from several Democratic-led states, further constraining deployments.