Electrification projects are moving quickly through planning and design stages nationwide

Posted by Mary Scott Nabers on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

There was speculation and genuine concern in recent months that funding support for electrification projects might be significantly reduced in 2025 and 2026. However, there is no evidence of that being the case and the continuance of funding for electrification initiatives appears to be very strong. Renewable energy funding is also flowing and many projects, currently in planning stages, reflect a commitment to cleaner air, power efficiency, and sustainability in energy sources.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced plans to support a $635 million investment to accelerate the buildout of public electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure across the country. The initiative, led by the Federal Highway Administration, will support the installation of more than 11,500 new EV charging ports and expand access to hydrogen and natural gas fueling stations. The goal is to strengthen zero-emission vehicle networks, particularly along key transportation routes and in underserved areas.

The Santa Barbara County Airport has been awarded $4.7 million from the California Energy Commission to expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The funding, which requires a $2.3 million local match, will support the installation of over 150 new EV charging stations across county-managed facilities. Planning documents outline the procurement of 114 Level 2 chargers and 36 Level 3 fast chargers at 14 sites throughout the county. The stations will be designed to serve the county’s growing all-electric fleet, which currently includes 93 vehicles with plans to expand that number. The new infrastructure will enhance vehicle range reliability, reduce operational costs, and further the county’s emissions reduction goals. The new charging stations will bring the total number of county-supported chargers to more than 367 and in addition to supporting fleet operations, the chargers will improve power access to underserved communities that currently have unmet demand. Planning documents state that all charging infrastructure must be installed and operational by April 30, 2028, and officials report that the initiative is on track to meet this deadline. Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026.

The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma was selected for a grant of $10.7 million to install approximately 100 public EV charging stations. As part of the project, a research team will analyze travel behaviors, grid infrastructure, and community needs to recommend the best locations for both Level 2 and fast DC charging stations. Some of the selected sites will be

in parks and health centers. Over the coming months, a research team will finalize geospatial modeling and produce a public report outlining recommended charger locations. The project is still in the design phase but as soon as site recommendations are finalized, solicitation documents will be forthcoming.

City officials in Los Angeles are moving forward with a groundbreaking infrastructure project that will bring wireless electric vehicle charging stations to a public roadway before the 2028 Summer Olympics. Backed by a nearly $20 million state grant funding, the city will construct an ‘Electric Avenue’ along a half mile stretch of road in Westwood for EV charging stations. This innovative project will require embedded inductive charging coils beneath the road running near the planned Olympic Village at UCLA. It will enable compatible EVs, including UCLA’s BruinBus shuttle fleet, to recharge wirelessly while in motion or at designated stops, thus eliminating the need for traditional plug-in charging equipment.

This ‘Electric Avenue’ marks the second wireless charging road in the United States, following the first installation in Detroit, Michigan. Together, these two projects represent a growing movement toward integrated, hands-free charging in urban corridors, especially in high-traffic areas where fleet vehicles operate continuously.

Project components will include the installation of wireless charging pads at key transit locations such as bus depots and parking facilities. The new infrastructure will help meet university demand and enhance public transportation services. It will also support the city’s broader efforts to modernize and de-carbonize its public transit infrastructure.

The project is currently in the design phase, with final testing and system integration planned before mid-2028. It is expected to be fully operational ahead of the Olympic Games, serving as a showcase for clean transportation innovation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority will soon launch a second phase of its statewide electric vehicle charging program, Fast Charge TN, to provide charging access along major roadways in the state. This new effort, supported by federal funding, carries an estimated cost of approximately $24 million. The upcoming phase will target 13 gap areas along interstate and U.S. highway corridors that are not currently covered with EV charging infrastructure. Each new charging site will include two to four fast chargers, with each charger delivering at least 50 kW of power. Sites will be located within 1 to 5 miles of designated corridors, be accessible to the public 24/7, and meet lighting, signage, and safety standards.

Project mandates include networks to work with all types of electric vehicles, real-time status monitoring, and integration with payment and navigation platforms to ensure a

seamless user experience. All stations must comply with Open Charge Point Protocol standards to ensure long-term adaptability and maintenance support. The project is still in the planning phase, but the funding will be available in 2025, with construction planned for early 2026.

The state of Illinois has announced plans to significantly enhance its electric vehicle charging network with a $153 million investment backed by federal and state funding. The objective will be to increase EV accessibility and support the state’s clean energy targets. The U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated $114 million to build 14 truck charging hubs along key freight corridors. The stations will provide 345 new charging ports and vehicle stalls equipped with battery storage and renewable on-site power. Most stations will feature Megawatt Charging System connectors, allowing heavy-duty trucks to recharge to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes.

This investment will also deliver approximately 1,500 new publicly accessible charging stations across more than 240 locations statewide, prioritizing public spaces such as shopping centers, gas stations, and hotels, with a focus on communities eligible for equity investments. The project will position Illinois as a central hub in the national EV charging network, enabling heavy-duty electric trucks to access 83% of the continental U.S. within two days of driving. The planning phase is ongoing, and construction is slated for late 2026.

Officials at Tweed New Haven Regional Airport in Connecticut recently received $1.1 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to support a project that will transition part of the airport’s ground operations fleet to electric power. The funding will also support the acquisition of one electric runway sweeper and two electric zero-turn lawn mowers, along with the installation of a fast-charging station to support the new equipment.

The project is part of Tweed Airport’s broader plan to modernize its airfield operations with cleaner, more efficient technology. The result will be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improved power reliability and greater cost efficiency. Officials have indicated that solicitation documents could potentially be released as soon as late August or early September 2025.

The nationwide push toward fleet electrification is unlocking a wave of contracting opportunities across the U.S. government sectors. As states and local governments roll out fast-charging power corridors and other electrification solutions, private-sector contractors will be in high demand to deliver engineering plans, power related equipment, roadway technology and construction services.

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