In Support of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was written into law in 2021.
The NEVI Formula Program aims to provide a nationwide network of 500,000 EV fast chargers by 2030 to ensure a convenient, reliable, affordable, and equitable charging experience for all users. The program will provide dedicated funding to all states for the deployment and implementation of EV charging infrastructure. NEVI charging stations will be built along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Learn more about South Carolina's AFCs on the Alternative Fuel Corridors page of this virtual meeting.
SC+EV Initiative
The SC+EV program will support South Carolina through the creation of a reliable and accessible statewide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. In support of the NEVI program, SC+EV will develop and deploy EV charging equipment along South Carolina's interstate highway system.
The SC+EV initiative will implement a multi-year, phased approach to develop a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable statewide EV charging network.
The goals of SC+EV are to:
Enhance mobility for EV owners and operators in South Carolina
Accelerate economic development and industry in South Carolina
Alternative Fuel Corridors
To lay the groundwork for the NEVI Formula Program, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC) to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure at strategic locations along major national highways.
An AFC is typically a long stretch of major interstate, highway, or roadway. The initial phase of the SC+EV initiative will focus on identifying charging station locations along the state's major interstates, or AFCs. These roadways include I-26, I-95, I-20, I-77, and I-85.
Types of EVs and EV Chargers
There are a variety of electric vehicle options on the market today. Some EVs operate solely on batteries, while others are hybrid models with both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
PHEVs
PHEVs are similar to a hybrid, but with a larger battery
and electric motor. These vehicles have a fuel tank and a
charging port.
BEVs
BEVs are powered solely by an electric battery, with no
gas engine parts. Most BEVs are capable of faster charging
and have zero tailpipe emissions.
FCEVs
FCEVs are powered by electricity using a fuel cell powered
by hydrogen. FCEVs do not plug-in for charging and have
zero tailpipe emissions.
There are three main types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Level 1 - Trickle Charging
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt wall plug, which is found throughout most homes in North America. Level 1 charging operates slowly. Level 1 chargers provide a maximum of 1.9 kilowatts and will add between 1-3 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 - Destination Charging
Level 2 EV chargers use 240-volts and are becoming the standard for EV charging when EV drivers don't require a rapid recharge. EV owners can use Level 2 charging equipment at home or find them in workplace parking lots or at public charging stations. Level 2 chargers provide a maximum of 10 kilowatts and will add between 10-30 miles of range per hour.
Level 3 - DC Fast Charging
Level 3 charging is the fastest type of EV charging and can charge up to 80% of an EV battery in only 20 to 30 minutes. Because of the high power and fast charging speed, Level 3 chargers are ideal for supporting long distance travel. These chargers function more like a fueling station than a destination charger. Not all EVs can charge through a Level 3 charger. NEVI requires a minimum of 150 kilowatts, with a maximum of 350 kilowatts, per charging port.
If you'd like to learn more about EVs, The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) provides an overview on the different types of EVs.
How NEVI Works
Charging infrastructure must be
LEVEL 3
DC Fast-Charging
Chargers must be located no more than1 Mile
from Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC)
All chargers must be operational for a minimum of
5 Years
and meet NEVI guidelines
Chargers along AFC's must be spaced a maximum of
50 Miles
from the next NEVI charger
Requirements for Federal Funding
The plan that has been developed as part of SC+EV is a requirement to receive federal funding from the NEVI Formula Program.
NEVI Formula Program requirements include:
- Maximum 50 miles between charging stations.
- Charging stations must be located no more than one mile from an alternative fuel corridor (AFC).
- Charging stations must support up to four vehicles charging at 150kw simultaneously.
- Charging stations must be open to all vehicle makes.
South Carolina is eligible to receive nearly $70 million in funding as part of this program. This funding will be provided over a five-year period. The state will receive $10.36 million in the first year and approximately $15 million per year for the remaining four years of the program. There is no expiration date for the funding from the NEVI Formula Program. As funding is received, the development and deployment of EV charging infrastructure will be implemented in phases. SCDOT is required to first build out the existing AFC corridors within the state. Once that phase is complete, SCDOT has the ability to prioritize funding for EV infrastructure outside of the AFC corridors.
Thank You for Your Participation
The SC+EV initiative will invest in infrastructure that advances South Carolina’s EV ecosystem, helping to expand, support, and preserve the state’s environment, economy, and values.
