A coalition of 16 states plus Washington, D.C. is taking the federal government to court after the Trump administration suspended two grant programs meant to expand electric vehicle charging across the country. For everyday drivers, this is not just a political food fight in Washington. It lands right at the most practical pain point in the EV world, public charging, and it threatens to slow projects that were already moving at the pace of permitting, utility upgrades, and contractor schedules.
According to the states, the U.S. Department of Transportation has stopped approving new funding tied to EV charging programs Congress created under the 2022 infrastructure law. One of those programs was designed to steer $2.5 billion toward state and local charging and hydrogen fueling projects. The lawsuit argues the pause has put $1.8 billion in awards at risk and effectively locked up most of that money, leaving cities and states holding plans they cannot fully execute.
This is also not the first courtroom round in the EV charger funding saga. Earlier this year, a judge blocked the administration from withholding money tied to a separate $5 billion charging fund that was already awarded to a group of states. The new suit arrives as the administration continues to push back on several EV-friendly policies, including efforts tied to California’s emissions and sales goals, the removal of the $7,500 EV tax credit, and proposed moves to loosen fuel economy standards.
Zooming out, the real-world fallout could show up in the places people actually notice: delayed charger installations, stalled maintenance and reliability upgrades, and fewer fast-charging options along major corridors and in underserved neighborhoods. Automakers have been leaning hard on the promise of a growing charging network to make EV ownership feel normal, especially for shoppers without home charging. If these grants stay frozen, it becomes one more hurdle for EV adoption at a time when the industry needs fewer excuses for buyers to stick with gas.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
