Court Rulings Clear the Path: How EV Charging Equity Investors Can Capitalize on Legal Wins

The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure sector is at a pivotal moment. Recent federal court rulings blocking the Trump administration's attempts to withhold funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program have removed a major overhang of uncertainty. These legal victories validate the NEVI program's long-term viability, unlocking growth opportunities for companies positioned to benefit from resumed federal funding. For investors, this is a signal to pivot toward EV charging equities, which now face reduced political risk and accelerated deployment timelines.

The Legal Landscape: A Turning Point for EV Infrastructure Funding

In early 2025, a coalition of 16 states and the District of Columbia filed suit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), arguing that its suspension of NEVI funding violated the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional separation of powers. Federal courts swiftly responded:
- On January 31, 2025, a Rhode Island district court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), blocking the DOT from halting funding for 22 states and D.C.
- By February 10, 2025, a Washington state court ordered the immediate release of frozen funds, declaring the administration's actions “arbitrary and capricious.”

These rulings forced the DOT to unfreeze over $5 billion in NEVI funding, which had been held up under President Trump's directive to prioritize “sound economic analysis” over bipartisan climate goals. The judiciary's rejection of the administration's overreach has cemented NEVI's status as a durable program, even as political winds shift.

Implications for EV Charging Equity Investors

The court decisions have two critical implications:
1. Political Risk Mitigation: The NEVI program's survival is now legally entrenched. Even if future administrations try to tamper with funding, courts will likely side with states to preserve congressional intent. This stability is a game-changer for EV infrastructure firms.
2. Accelerated Deployment: States like California, Washington, and New York—where projects were delayed due to funding holds—can now fast-track EV charging networks. For example, Washington had only half its planned fast chargers by 2025; resuming funding will allow completion of projects like the Interstate 5 corridor network.

This environment favors companies with strong state partnerships, scalable technology, and a focus on high-demand markets.

Strategic Investment Opportunities

The legal victories have created a clear roadmap for investors to profit from EV charging infrastructure. Key opportunities include:

1. Hardware and Network Operators

Companies with contracts to supply or operate charging stations stand to gain as states ramp up deployments.
- EVgo (NASDAQ: EVGO): A leader in public DC fast-charging networks, EVgo has partnerships with states like California and Washington. Its stock has surged since the February 10 ruling, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
- ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT): A dominant player in EV charging hardware, ChargePoint's modular systems are critical for scaling infrastructure.

2. Software and Platform Solutions

Companies enabling interoperability and payment systems will benefit as charging networks expand.
- Blink Charging (NASDAQ: BLNK): Its cloud-based platform manages over 150,000 charging ports globally.

3. Infrastructure ETFs

Investors seeking diversified exposure can consider:
- Global X Electric Vehicle & Tech ETF (NASDAQ: ARKQ): Tracks companies involved in EVs, batteries, and charging infrastructure.

Risks and Considerations

While the legal victories are a net positive, risks remain:
- Appeals: The Trump administration may challenge rulings at higher courts, though lower-court precedents favor states.
- Geographic Concentration: Funding releases are uneven, with non-litigating states still at risk of delays.

Conclusion: A Clear Green Light for EV Charging Equity Investors

The courts have affirmed that NEVI is here to stay. For EV infrastructure firms, this means steady federal funding, rising demand, and a clearer path to profitability. Investors should prioritize companies with strong state ties, scalable solutions, and exposure to high-growth corridors. The legal wins have removed a major barrier—now it's time to capitalize on the sector's long-awaited momentum.

As charging networks expand, so will the fortunes of those who bet on them early.