We, the undersigned municipal and local leaders from communities across North Carolina, urge you to maintain dedicated funding for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. This includes the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, Low or No Emission Grant Program, and Clean School Bus Program.

North Carolina has taken important steps toward an electrified transportation future, becoming a national leader in EV and battery manufacturing and in workforce development for charging infrastructure. Federal funding and investment from automakers, battery suppliers, and energy companies are driving economic growth in the state, already resulting in 16,300 EV-related jobs statewide. Over $20.4 billion in private investments have poured into North Carolina’s EV manufacturing industry, spurred by approximately $314 million in federal funding.

The United States stands at a pivotal moment in transportation innovation. With 178 models available and almost 8 million EVs already sold in America, the market momentum is undeniable. However, the recent decision to rescind $879 million in NEVI funding from the FY 2026 appropriations package creates policy and funding uncertainty, putting progress at risk and making continued funding for dedicated charging programs in the surface transportation reauthorization critical. 

Consumer Demand Requires Infrastructure 

Consumer interest in EVs continues to accelerate. J.D. Power reports that nearly 60% of new-vehicle shoppers are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to consider an EV, but access to reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to mass adoption. NEVI and CFI represent first-of-their-kind programs to build a nationwide network of EV charging, providing reliability and certainty to American consumers who choose an EV. At this pivotal moment, we must ensure that infrastructure investments keep pace with market demand by supporting programs that leverage public funding to attract much larger private investment. Our communities are positioned to benefit from the jobs and economic development that come with this infrastructure buildout. 

Economic Competitiveness and National Security 

EV technology is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security; we cannot afford to cede leadership in this sector to China. Sustained investment in EV charging infrastructure will support hundreds of thousands of American jobs and ensure our domestic auto industry can effectively compete with Chinese automakers. Additionally, the battery and critical mineral supply chains that power this industry are essential to our defense capabilities, helping build a domestic and allied supply chain that is not reliant on those of our adversaries.  

State Momentum 

Thanks to increased program flexibility under the Trump administration, more than 45 states are now moving forward with plans to expand public-private partnerships and increase the choices consumers and fleets have for powering their transportation future. To claw back this funding just when states and communities are moving forward would further handicap the United States’ ability to stay competitive in transportation innovation, because inconsistent funding signals undermine years-long state and local planning efforts and erode the collaborative public-private partnerships that are driving economic progress. This is why it is essential to include dedicated funds for charging programs in the surface transportation reauthorization bill. 

Examples of State and Local Projects & Progress 

• • The North Carolina Department of Transportation received federal funding to build 25 strategic DCFC chargers along its alternative fuel corridors. This funding will support EV stations placed along I-26 in western NC and U.S. 74 in Anson County. Other locations include I-87/U.S. 64 east of Raleigh, U.S. 70 near Kinston, and U.S. 64 between Tarboro and Manteo.
  • North Carolina received $5.6 million in grants for EV chargers, including $4.8 million for Durham and $822,737 for Kings Mountain.  
  • North Carolina has received multiple grants to electrify bus fleets and upgrade infrastructure. Key awards include $1.6 million to GoTriangle for charging infrastructure and six battery-electric buses for Durham.  
  • North Carolina has received over 188 EPA-funded electric school buses, many of which were made by Thomas Built Buses in High Point, North Carolina.

     

Ensuring Fair and Fuel-Neutral Policy 

We are also concerned about a proposed EV tax that would require EV drivers to pay significantly more than what internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle drivers pay in gas taxes. The steady decline in gas tax revenues is largely due to the increasing fuel efficiency of gas vehicles and the failure to index the taxes to inflation, so a punitive tax on EV drivers will not solve the very real issues facing the Highway Trust Fund. We remain committed to exploring solutions to fund transportation infrastructure for all users and urge you to adopt a fair, long-term solution through a fuel-neutral approach. 

The Path Forward 

Consistent and adequate funding for dedicated charging infrastructure programs is essential to maintain the momentum that communities across North Carolina possess. Currently, North Carolina ranks second in the nation in electric vehicle (EV) investments, anchored by Toyota’s $13.9 billion battery campus in Randolph County—part of the state’s growing “battery belt”. The state is experiencing significant job growth in the EV supply chain, including new projects from companies such as Natron Energy. 

We strongly urge you to maintain the current levels of funding for dedicated charging infrastructure programs in the surface transportation reauthorization bill, demonstrating a consistent commitment to policies that support American jobs and global competitiveness.