North Carolina cuts NEVI station count from 41 to 18, redirects $109 million to rural and community sites

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scaled back its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme from a planned 41 charging stations to 18, citing new federal guidance that permits flexible use of its $109 million NEVI allocation. Secretary Daniel Johnson said the revised approach will prioritise communities, rural areas and highways where charging is most needed, rather than the original interstate and highway focus. The state confirmed its efforts will not compete with private infrastructure.

Why it matters: A sharp reduction in planned NEVI sites signals tighter geographic targeting and may open more rural corridors to tender, while the $109 million envelope remains intact for fewer, potentially larger installations. CPOs and contractors should watch for revised solicitation scopes that emphasise underserved areas over high traffic routes.