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WYOMING - NEVI UPDATE

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    Consultant studies: EV usage & charging infrastructure economics

    WYDOT has hired a consultant, HDR, Inc., to write the technical specifications for the NEVI RFP. HDR completed studies regarding EV charging station economic return on investment and EV use estimates. Although HDR used different methodologies to complete the studies, findings are similar to WYDOT's analyses regarding potential challenges the NEVI program's EV charging infrastructure may have in our state. 

    Update on WY NEVI Plan RFP

    UPDATE: the RFP is still being reviewed by the state and will not post April 1 as originally planned. When the RFP is approved, we will post the notification on this website and update the timeline accordingly.

    Recently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Standards and Requirements final rule. That release initiated actions for WYDOT and other state agencies to finalize the NEVI Funding Requests for Proposal (RFP) and the procedure for interested parties to apply for VW Settlement Funds.

    While the NEVI final rules did answer some questions, it raised others. We continue to work with FHWA to clarify requirements and ensure the NEVI RFP is as comprehensive as possible. We are still waiting for some answers but feel we are far enough along to issue a predicted timeline for the next steps in the funding announcement process. 

    In addition, WYDOT continues to synchronize electric vehicle infrastructure support activities with other state agencies, which will require a longer RFP review process than normal. We will build that additional review time into RFP issuance and submittal schedules. This updated timeline is subject to change based upon FHWA responses and other State Agency review requirements.

    Updated Timeline - Dates will be added as milestones are complete

    1. Draft Cybersecurity requirement language received from the Wyoming Department of Enterprise Technology Service - March 3, 2023
    2. Final FHWA answers or clarification to NEVI final rule questions - March 7, 2023
    3. Draft RFP complete and submitted for State Agency Review - March 10, 2023
    4. RFP approved and posted for public review / comment
    5. VW Settlement Fund Application Procedures posted
    6. RFP questions due to WYDOT (RFP will provide additional information)
    7. VW Settlement Application Procedures questions due to WYDOT
    8. WYDOT response to RFP and VW Settlement application procedure questions
    9. NEVI / VW Settlement Funding Workshop - Date TBA
      • Thyra Thomson State Office Building Casper, WY 
      • Registration procedures and agenda will publish once scheduling is finalized
    10. Final questions for NEVI RFP due to WYDOT
    11. WYDOT response to additional NEVI RFP questions
    12. RFP closes for proposals
    13. VW Settlement Fund Application submissions activate

    The FHWA published guidance for discretionary grant programs, so we anticipate covering those programs at the workshop. We will post any additional information on this site when it becomes available 

     

    NEVI Background & Overview

     

    In November 2021, the Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated up to $7.5 billion over five years for states to enhance their Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.

    The electric vehicle infrastructure funding will help EV drivers to have regular access to charging stations to help avoid a situation where a driver could be stranded without services. Additionally, the added infrastructure will bolster tourism as EV vehicles become more popular nationwide. 

    There are two sources for funding: Federal Formula Funding and Discretionary Grants

     

    NEVI Formula Funding

    Wyoming is allocated $3.9 million in 2022 and expects $5 million each year for the next four years for a total of $23.96 million for EV infrastructure, including:

    • Acquisition and installation of EV charging infrastructure and traffic control devices and signs.
    • Operation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure for up to five years.
    • Data sharing about EV infrastructure to ensure long-term success of equipment installed under the formula program.
    • Development activities related to acquisition or installation

    In preparation to execute NEVI funding and other program incentives, the state developed a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Strategy.

    See link at the top of this page to download and review Wyoming's NEVI plan. 

     

    Formula Funding details

    State agencies will not own, operate or maintain the charging infratructure through the NEVI program. Instead, this funding will be used to incentivize private industry to build the alternative fuel corridors, which are the interstates in Wyoming. 

    Federal rules (see link above) specifies requirements for minimum standards for federally funded EV infrastructure as well as finalizing the Build America, Buy America implementation plan. 

    These standards will help to ensure that chargers operated by different networks will operate similarly and provide the traveling public with a predictable EV charging experience – no matter what car you drive or what state you charge in. These standards also require that chargers have consistent plug types and charging speeds, common payment systems, and accessible pricing information, locations, and availability.

    Requirements also include: 

    • 50 mile minimum distance between charging stations
    • Charging stations placed a minimum of 1 mile from alternative fuel corridor 
    • Charger strength, including requirements for four Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) and 150kW and higher charging capacity in each location

     

    Feds announce final NEVI rules and regulations

    Click here to read the final rules and regulations for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program

    Click here to read the Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers

     

    Wyoming NEVI Plan receives approval

    Thank you to all who commented on Wyoming's NEVI Plan. The Federal Government announced in September 2022 that Wyoming's plan has been accepted. Click here to read the approval letter.

    Eight of Wyoming's 11 exception requests to the Federal requirements for EV charging station spacing, including requirements that stations be placed no more than 50 miles apart, were rejected. To read more about that, check our latest news release. 

    To read the Plan, click the links below:

    Wyoming NEVI Plan - Final