In addition to producing more electric vehicles and operating a greater number of charging stations than any other company in the United States, Tesla is now taking the lead in securing federal infrastructure dollars.
An exclusive analysis of public records by EVAdoption, an EV data consultancy, for E&E News reveals that Tesla is outpacing its competitors in the installation of charging plazas funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. Tesla has secured nearly 13 percent of all EV charging awards from the law, amounting to over $17 million in infrastructure grants.
This influx of government funding will integrate Tesla’s distinctive red-and-white chargers into the experience of not only Tesla drivers but all EV users on America’s highways. While this marks a triumph for Tesla, it also signifies a form of compliance: By committing to build federally funded stations, the innovative company is agreeing to adhere to the same regulations as its counterparts.
Experts assert that having Tesla, with its extensive and reliable network of charging stations, take a leading role in establishing a government-supported network is beneficial. Aaron Kressig, manager of the transportation electrification program at Western Resource Advocates, emphasizes that this development is likely to result in a larger and more robust network of charging stations.
Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI), which is supported by the infrastructure law, federal funds are directed to state departments of transportation. Tesla’s success in securing these funds is evident in the states where it has emerged victorious, including Alaska, Colorado, Maine, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Tennessee.
Notably, Tesla’s approach to securing federal infrastructure money differs from that of other firms. The company is proposing larger stations compared to its competitors while simultaneously maintaining lower construction costs. Despite winning fewer federal dollars per project, Tesla’s efficient utilization of resources positions it as a formidable contender in the race for NEVI funds.
While Tesla’s surge in federal funding marks a significant development, it also entails certain compromises. Federal funding comes with specific requirements, such as the mandate for charging stations to accept payment via credit card readers—a rule that Tesla has historically resisted.
As the EV infrastructure landscape evolves, Tesla’s prominent role underscores its preparedness for the future of charging infrastructure. With its extensive experience and capacity, Tesla is well-positioned to contribute to the expansion and enhancement of the nation’s EV charging network, ultimately advancing the transition to electric mobility.
