The U.S. NEVI program is moving again. After months of uncertainty, FHWA issued the FY2026 funding notice on October 1 and several states have begun updating or reopening their application windows. For site developers, that means stalled proposals can be refreshed—quickly and with a tighter focus on buildability and uptime.

What actually changed

Funding unlocked for FY2026. FHWA’s notice sets out the new allocations and a 10% set-aside to help states that need extra assistance.

Streamlined guidance from USDOT. Revised NEVI guidance (Aug 2025) emphasizes faster approvals and more flexibility for states to get stations built.

States are updating plans. Example: New York’s 2025 NEVI plan update was approved in September, a sign that state processes are back on track.

What it means for developers and operators

Move stalled projects to “submission-ready.” Recheck each state’s addendum (timelines, cost-share, documentation). Expect small but meaningful changes to support letters, site control, grid status, and ADA details.

Design for a mixed connector reality. The market continues to converge on NACS plus CCS1. Even charger OEMs are adding NACS cable options to mainstream DC platforms—planning layouts and cable management for both now protects utilization.

Uptime is the differentiator. Application scoring and public sentiment both reward sites that start cleanly (payment on first try, solid click-in, stable power) and stay online. NEVI paperwork is necessary; reliable field execution is what drivers remember.

Workersbee’s take

We see two practical priorities for the next wave of NEVI sites:

Cable/connector strategy that matches your vehicle mix (Tesla/NACS drivers plus CCS users) without complicating operations.

Thermal and strain-relief discipline to keep high-power sessions stable across seasons—especially at busy highway sites.

How Workersbee can help

Pre-engineered DC connector & cable kits: CCS1/CCS2 (naturally-cooled and liquid-cooled) with field-proven strain relief and holstering layouts.

NACS integration support: harnessing, reach, and holster geometry to coexist with CCS on the same dispenser.

Submission-ready drawings: stall reach maps, cable sweep envelopes, and parts lists that slot into your NEVI packet.

If you’re refreshing a paused application or scoping a new corridor site, contact our team for a one-page checklist and a connector/cable BOM tuned to your state’s current requirements.