By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – On Thursday, the U.S. Transportation Department published minimum standards for charging electric vehicles (EVs) under a $5B government program.

The regulations would stipulate that government-funded EV charging stations have DC Fast Chargers. They must also be capable of simultaneously charging up to four EVs. Each port must reach at least 150 kW. The rules would prohibit charging stations from being required to have memberships in order to be used.

The USDOT states that charging stations with the most efficient chargers are necessary to “allow for easy charging solutions.”

It is crucial that the Biden administration deploys a national network of fast and reliable EV charging points to help Americans switch to electric cars, even though Congress attempts to increase funding have stalled.

Joe Biden has set a goal for 50% of all new automobiles to be either electric or plug in hybrid electric by 2030. There will also need 500,000 EV charging stations. However, he has not supported the end of gasoline-powered cars by 2030.

USDOT stated that the standards were intended to guarantee an EV charging network funded by government “is user-friendly and reliable” and is accessible to everyone. They also allow for interoperability between charging companies with comparable payment systems, pricing information and charging speeds.

Federal Highway Administration proposes a new rule that will allow EV owners to use nationwide charging stations with “similar payment methods, pricing information (and charging speeds)”.

Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that everyone should have the ability to locate a charging station whenever and wherever they require it.

This would make it possible for EV stations to be built across the country to use and communicate on the same software platforms. States must maintain federally funded charging stations for at most five years.

Third-party apps should have the ability to provide current charging status information.

The proposed rules establish standards of certification for those who install, operate, or maintain EV chargers.