The U.S. has taken a step towards standardizing Tesla charging technology across public networks by earmarking $7.5 billion to establish a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network. This has been allocated from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into effect in November 2021.

With the implementation of J3400, a new standard for charging EVs published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), any supplier or manufacturer can now use and deploy the Tesla-developed North America Charging Standard (NACS) connector. Beginning in 2025, most automakers are expected to adopt this for vehicles, while adaptors will be made available for current owners next spring.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $7.5 billion investment to build out a national EV charging network is intended to enable Americans to utilize the public charging network. Current federal requirements allow alternative types of connectors on all federally funded DC fast chargers so long as there is a Combined Charging System connector.

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will soon publish a Request for Information (RFI) to receive feedback from stakeholders on updating its minimum standards and requirements for EV charging stations to allow for new technology and continued innovation.

This RFI will help inform how FHWA can ensure new technology and innovation, like J3400, are incorporated into its minimum standards and requirements for federally-funded EV charging stations and ensure that the available network of EV chargers will meet the needs of consumers now and into the future.

“EV charging technology is rapidly evolving, and it is important that the federal government keeps pace. We’re working hand-in-hand with our federal, state, and local partners and the private sector to ensure the national EV charging network meets the needs of all EV drivers, no matter what type of electric vehicle they drive,” said FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt.

Last June, the U.S. announced a funding of $96 million to expand EV charging accessibility and maximize EV efficiency and affordability.

In 2022, over 10 million EVs were sold globally, with sales anticipated to increase by 35% in 2023. The U.S., which is the third largest market after China and Europe, saw a 55% increase in EV sales in 2022.