Federal Agencies Urged to Strengthen Oversight of Electric Vehicle Charging Programs

Federal agencies managing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure programs are being called to adopt stronger performance tracking to ensure accountability and improve future results. According to a report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on July 22, 2025, current efforts by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation lack critical performance management measures that would help evaluate the success of billions in federal EV infrastructure investments.

The GAO found that while the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has played a valuable role in coordinating EV charging projects and assisting state agencies, it has yet to establish measurable goals with time frames. The office has provided guidance and technical support under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, but GAO warned that without a performance framework, it’s difficult to judge effectiveness or determine where improvements are needed. This gap becomes more pressing as the federal government continues to pause certain Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) disbursements and review ongoing initiatives.

At the DOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has tracked some metrics—such as the number of charging stations funded through NEVI and CFI—but it has not clearly defined goals for improving access or measuring short-term progress. As of April 2025, only 384 NEVI- and CFI-funded chargers were publicly operational. The GAO’s report recommends that both the Joint Office and FHWA implement comprehensive performance management systems to better assess outcomes, prioritize future efforts, and provide transparency to lawmakers and the public.

This review follows growing scrutiny of federal EV programs amid changing policy priorities under the current administration. The GAO’s recommendations are not mandates, but they reflect a broader expectation for government agencies to show that infrastructure spending delivers measurable benefits to residents and communities.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release by the U.S. Government Accountability Office

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