The Federal Highway Administration announced a new Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, otherwise known as the CFI Program, which provides funding for EV charging and other alternative fuel infrastructure projects. Neither dealers nor dealer associations are eligible to apply for CFI program money. Even in instances where a manufacturer has implemented or initiated a voluntary or mandatory dealer program that includes publicly available chargers, or that promotes publicly available chargers near an interstate(s), CFI money is not available to dealers or dealer associations to help offset such costs.

“Eligible entities,” such as states, cities, towns, state and local government organizations, transportation authorities and Indian tribes, that are awarded a CFI grant, may use up to 5% of their grant money to partner/contract with dealers to develop and implement education programs regarding the use of zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure.

On a related note to the CFI Program, the Chicago Auto Show Premier Sponsor, Autel, which provided charging on the show’s Chicago Drives Electric indoor EV track, is planning a Lunch and Learn in May at the CATA to offer dealers special pricing on its EV charging equipment. In addition, Autel and the CATA is encouraging dealers to invite their respective village mayors and planning officials to the Lunch and Learn to hear about the CFI program and how their municipalities can take gain from it. This is a win-win for dealers. More charging infrastructure in their hometowns can encourage EV adoption.

Watch for more information about Autel’s May Lunch and Learn in upcoming E-Newsletters.