Tribal EV Programs
Clean Bus Planning Awards
Managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by the Joint Office, the Clean Bus Planning Awards reduce barriers to zero-emission bus deployment by providing school and transit bus fleets with free technical assistance to develop comprehensive and customized fleet electrification transition plans. The program connects transit and school bus fleets with technical experts to support planning for bus electrification; fleets also have the option to receive free deployment assistance from NREL at the completion of their plan. This is not an incentive program, and fleets do not receive direct funding—rather, selected applicants will be allocated technical assistance resources by NREL. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
For any questions, please reach out to CBPA@nrel.gov.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program
States have begun to solicit for charging station sites on the alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) through Requests for Proposals and Notices of Funding Opportunities. Many AFCs throughout the country run through Tribal lands, allowing for Tribes to apply for funding through their state to deploy EV infrastructure along that AFC. Funds can be used to build and/or operate EV charging stations, as well as for Tribal workforce training to enable members to build or maintain EV service equipment. Tribes do not have direct access to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula (NEVI) Program funds and must therefore work with the state to ensure that the state’s plans adequately reflect their interests. Please visit your state’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)/NEVI sites to find out when the next solicitation will open.
Reach out to the Tribal Technical Assistance Team with any questions about this opportunity!
Tribal EV Funding Opportunities
DOT, Federal Highway Administration
The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program was created to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities at publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities, in addition to deploying infrastructure along designated AFCs. The 2023 Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Tribal Awards include awards to Chilkoot Indian Association and San Carlos Apache Tribal Council. Current funding is available in two categories:
- Community Charging and Fueling Grants (Community Program)
- Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program).
Applications are due by August 28, 2024.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy systems to offset costs associated with agricultural production and processing. Although Tribal governments are not directly eligible, Section 17 corporations, Tribally owned corporations and enterprises that qualify as small businesses, Tribal agriculture operations, and Tribal member-owned businesses are eligible for assistance under this program.
Applications due quarterly; September 30, 2024.
EPA, Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights
The EPA will award approximately 50 grants for Community-Driven Investments for Change ($10–20 million each) and 20 grants for Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance ($1–3 million each). Eligible applicants include a partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization and one of the following:
- Another community-based nonprofit organization
- A federally recognized Tribe
- A local government or an institution of higher education.
Out of the $2 billion in funding, the EPA has identified five Target Investment Areas to help ensure communities with unique circumstances, geography, and needs can equitably compete for funding.
Applications are being accepted now through November 21, 2024.
EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
The EPA is authorized under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act to offer funding assistance to accelerate the upgrade, retrofit, and turnover of the legacy diesel fleet. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles and equipment with EPA- and California Air Resources Board-certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies.
Applications are due by December 6, 2024.
DOT, Office of the Under Secretary for Policy
This discretionary grant program provides an opportunity for DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that achieve national objectives. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors at the state and local levels to obtain funding for multimodal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to support through traditional DOT programs. In Fiscal Year (FY)21, RAISE expanded program eligibility to include zero-emission vehicle infrastructure.
FY 2025 applications are due by January 13, 2025.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Tribes may use the program to install EV charging stations as a component of a larger community facility build or refurbishment. Most of the funding is available through long-term, low-interest direct loans. Grants are usually limited to $50,000 or less, and are typically used for equipment and vehicles associated with eligible community facilities and the essential services they provide.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Internal Revenue Service
The Inflation Reduction Act authorized “elective pay,” which allows tax-exempt and governmental entities like Tribes that do not owe federal income taxes to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects or making qualifying investments. Two tax credits exist for both vehicles and charging infrastructure:
- Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles (§ 45W): For purchasers of commercial clean vehicles. Qualifying vehicles include passenger vehicles, buses, ambulances, and certain other vehicles for use on public streets, roads, and highways. Credit amount: Up to $40,000 (max $7,500 for vehicles <14,000 lbs.).
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (§ 30C): For alternative fuel vehicle refueling and charging property, located in low-income and non-urban areas. Qualified fuels include electricity, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel.
Upcoming Tribal EV Funding Opportunities
Federal Lands Access Program
DOT, Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Lands Access Program provides funds for projects on Federal Lands Access Transportation Facilities that are located on or adjacent to, or that provide access to, federal lands (e.g., national parks, national forests). Projects are typically located within 10 miles of the federal land boundary. Funds are distributed by formula among states that have federal lands. State DOTs, Tribes, and local governments interested in EV infrastructure can apply through their state for Federal Lands Access Program funding for charging infrastructure and transportation planning. This funding is in the form of a Formula Grant awarded to states; Tribes may apply directly to the state.
Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Light-duty vehicle charging
- Public transportation charging
- Commercial charging infrastructure planning
- Workforce development
- Vehicle acquisition.
Application period for UTAH opened August 2024. Application period for NORTH DAKOTA expected to open September 2024.
Utah Federal Lands Access Program | FHWA (dot.gov)
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