Buttigieg announces progress on 8 EV charging stations investment

During a recent appearance on CNBC's 'Squawk Box,' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discussed the progress of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. He noted that eight charging stations have been built so far under the $7.5 billion investment, with the majority of construction expected to occur in the latter half of the decade. Buttigieg highlighted that the U.S. currently has about 190,000 publicly available charging stations, which is double the number when President Biden took office. Buttigieg acknowledged that while the private sector has been instrumental in building charging infrastructure, there are still significant gaps in the market that require federal support. He emphasized the importance of federally-supported chargers, particularly in areas where private investment is not feasible, such as certain urban locations and stretches of road. This initiative aims to ensure that charging stations are available before the 2030 deadline. The Secretary pointed out that although approximately 80% of EV charging occurs at home, the transition to a landscape where half of vehicle sales are electric by the end of the decade necessitates a robust charging network. He expressed confidence that more charging stations will be operational by 2026, with a significant increase expected in 2027 and 2028. Overall, Buttigieg's remarks reflect the administration's commitment to expanding EV infrastructure, addressing market gaps, and preparing for a future where electric vehicles play a central role in the automotive industry.