National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Transportation is administering the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Round 3 Design-Build-Operate-Maintain project as part of a federally supported effort to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. MDOT, as the state agency responsible for Michigan’s highway system and transportation planning, is leveraging prior rounds of NEVI funding to advance a reliable and accessible fast-charging network. With the state having achieved “fully built-out” status along designated corridors, Round 3 expands deployment flexibility to include both gap areas and broader statewide locations, emphasizing geographic equity and long-term system performance. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the deployment of publicly accessible, NEVI-compliant EV charging stations that enhance long-distance travel, improve access in underserved communities, and contribute to economic development and tourism. The project requires private sector proposers to deliver comprehensive services including design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. Each proposed site must include at least four direct current fast-charging ports capable of simultaneous operation, meeting minimum power standards and accessibility requirements. The initiative also emphasizes reliability, requiring uptime performance standards and long-term operational commitments. Funding under this opportunity supports a wide range of eligible costs directly tied to EV charging infrastructure. These include site preparation, engineering, permitting, installation of charging equipment, grid interconnection components, software systems, and fixed operations and maintenance costs for up to five years. Certain costs are explicitly excluded, such as major grid upgrades, real estate acquisition, and variable operational expenses like electricity or staffing. Proposers must also contribute a minimum cost share of 20 percent of total eligible project costs, ensuring private investment alongside public funding. Eligibility is limited to private entities acting as project companies, though they may partner with public or nonprofit organizations as part of a broader team. Applicants must demonstrate technical qualifications across multiple roles including site design, electrical installation, equipment provision, software/network management, and ongoing maintenance. Each proposal must correspond to a single site, though applicants may submit multiple proposals across different counties. The program prioritizes both geographic distribution and project quality through a structured two-phase evaluation process. The application process requires submission of three primary components: a project company information form, a technical proposal detailing site and operational plans, and a price proposal outlining eligible costs. Proposals must include supporting documentation such as site plans, equipment specifications, utility coordination letters, and proof of qualifications. Submissions are evaluated based on responsiveness, technical merit, site characteristics, alignment with program goals, and cost efficiency. The scoring framework assigns up to 100 points across these categories, with significant weight given to site location, amenities, and overall project approach. The timeline for this opportunity includes an RFP issuance on June 8, 2026, followed by a pre-proposal meeting, question period, and proposal submission deadline of August 7, 2026. Awards are anticipated in November 2026, with subsequent contract execution and project implementation phases. Selected projects must complete environmental review requirements prior to construction and adhere to federal and state regulatory standards throughout execution. Operations and maintenance obligations extend for at least five years after commissioning, ensuring sustained service quality and data reporting compliance. Overall, this program represents a major infrastructure investment aimed at accelerating EV adoption and strengthening Michigan’s transportation network. By combining public funding with private sector expertise, the initiative seeks to deliver high-quality, reliable charging infrastructure that meets evolving mobility needs while supporting environmental and economic goals across the state.

Focus on high-quality site selection with strong amenities and accessibility; demonstrate reliable uptime and operational capacity; align proposal with geographic coverage goals and cost efficiency criteria