Orion Energy Systems welcomes federal guidance on EV charging infrastructure standards.

Orion Energy Systems, a provider of energy-efficient LED lighting and EV charging stations, welcomes the US Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration's guidance on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure grant program. The $5 billion funding aims to provide dependable EV charging infrastructure, aligning with Orion's Voltrek division's existing quality standards for public and private customers.

Orion Energy Systems, a leading provider of energy-efficient LED lighting and EV charging stations, has welcomed the recent guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant program. The revised guidelines, announced on August 11, 2023, aim to provide dependable EV charging infrastructure across the nation, aligning with Orion's Voltrek division's existing quality standards for both public and private customers.

The NEVI program, initially part of the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, was suspended in February 2023 pending a review of its implementation policies and funding guidance. The program, which received $5 billion in funding, was designed to ease range anxiety and facilitate the wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by building charging infrastructure along designated routes. However, the program faced criticism for its efficiency and was subject to a federal court injunction that required its resumption [1].

The new guidelines issued by the DOT and FHWA simplify the process for states to access funding for EV charging stations. The revised guidance minimizes requirements for state NEVI plans, allowing states to determine the appropriate distance between stations along alternative fuel corridors. This flexibility is seen as a positive step by EV advocates who have long pushed for regulatory certainty and streamlined processes [2].

Orion Energy Systems, through its Voltrek division, has been actively involved in the EV charging infrastructure sector. The company's commitment to energy-efficient solutions and high-quality standards makes it well-positioned to benefit from the newly simplified NEVI program. The company has expressed its satisfaction with the new guidelines, noting that they will enable faster deployment of EV charging infrastructure, which is crucial for the growth of the EV market.

The revised guidelines also address concerns about the program's efficiency and waste. The DOT and FHWA have streamlined the process to ensure that federal resources are used effectively. This includes reducing requirements for state plans to address consumer protections, emergency evacuation plans, and environmental considerations. Instead, states will have greater flexibility to determine project priorities and timelines [2].

The new guidelines come at a time when the number of public charging connectors has more than doubled since 2021, and 2025 is projected to be the strongest year yet for EV charging infrastructure expansion. However, more charging stations are needed to support the growing EV market, and initiatives like the NEVI program play a vital role in this buildout [2].

In conclusion, Orion Energy Systems welcomes the revised NEVI guidelines as a significant step forward in the development of EV charging infrastructure. The new guidelines provide regulatory certainty and flexibility, enabling states to deploy EV charging stations more efficiently. This will not only support the growth of the EV market but also contribute to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.

References:
[1] https://www.alleghenyfront.org/trump-administration-reluctantly-resumes-funding-for-ev-chargers/
[2] https://www.utilitydive.com/news/dot-issues-revised-ev-charger-funding-guidance-for-states/757759/