Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General EV FAQs

Q: What types of EVs are there?

A: The EV market is evolving rapidly, with models available in a range of vehicle types, from compact cars and sedans to SUVs and pickup trucks. Without getting into specifics about brands, EVs generally fall into three categories:

Q: What are the different levels of EV charging? Do all chargers work the same?

A: Chargers operate at three levels, which deliver power at different speeds.

Most programs, including NEVI, are focused on Level 3/Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC).
While in Level 2 chargers are not uncommon, no Federal funding for Level 2 chargers is available at this time. 
The most common type of connectors are the Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, with the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) charger becoming increasingly common. 

Q: What grants are available for EVs and EV charging infrastructure?

A: You can find information about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program here. You can find a list of available other grants here. WYDOT only lists grants available from federal agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration and the Joint Office of Transportation and Energy. You may find other grants at grants.gov.

Q: Will Wyoming’s harsh winters impact EV usage in the state?

A: EVs will be given no special treatment. Much like gas-powered vehicles, drivers will need to plan ahead for proper fuel stops and will need to watch the weather closely as they travel.

Q: Does WYDOT have any data about tourist usage of EVs?

A: No, currently WYDOT does not have exact numbers of out-of-state EV usage. However, we know that about 2 percent of vehicles nationwide are EVs, which we can combine with the annual average daily traffic to get some approximate numbers. 

Q: How will EV drivers pay fuel tax?

A: Currently, drivers with EVs registered in Wyoming pay a $200 road maintenance fee as part of their vehicle registration each year. However, there is currently no way for WYDOT to collect fuel tax from out-of-state EV drivers on Wyoming roads. WYDOT is working with the Wyoming Legislature and other state agencies to update statute and policy to address this. 

Q: Do you have any resources for businesses trying to decide if they want to invest in an EV charging station?

A: We recommend checking this webpage for toolkits, EV usage studies and other helpful documents

Q: I want EV charging stations in my town/at my business, where do I start?

A: You can check available grants here or here. You can sign up for our EV Stakeholder database here. The database helps connect stakeholders, including landowners, EV charging infrastructure manufacturers, and more. 

Q: Is WYDOT working with other state/local/national entities on a larger Zero Emission Vehicle strategy?

A: Yes! Some of WYDOT’s partners include the state agencies involved in the Zero Emission Vehicle Working Group as well as regional partners in the Mountain West, including the National Park Service, local utility companies, local nonprofits like Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities and more.
 

FAQs: Wyoming NEVI program

More information about NEVI can be found on our NEVI webpage. 

Q: What is an Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC)?

A: These are highways that are part of a national network of corridors that support alternative fueling infrastructure. This initiative was established in July 2016, when the Federal Highway Administration called on states to nominate national plug-in EV charging, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors along major roadways as a part of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act. The AFCs in Wyoming are Interstates 25, 80 and 90. 

Q: How does the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding help the state of Wyoming?

A: The Federal funding for EV charging infrastructure will help Wyoming meet current and anticipated demand for electric vehicles, especially by tourists visiting the state. Without it, tourists who drive EVs could be stranded without services or may bypass Wyoming entirely in favor of states with more robust EV infrastructure. Tourism is Wyoming's second-largest industry, and EV infrastructure can help bring tourists to the state. 

Q: How much funding is Wyoming receiving under NEVI?

A: Wyoming is set to receive $26.8 million over five funding years (FY2022-2026). The program will pay up to 80 percent federal cost share of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of $800,000 in federal dollars per NEVI site, which includes operations and maintenance. The minimum required match is 20 percent from non-federal sources. WYDOT will not be owning or operating EV charging stations. 

Q: What happens if the state does not allocate all of the available Federal NEVI formula funding?

A: All 50 states and US territories have submitted plans and will receive funding for the program. If unspent, the Federal Highway Administration will take control of the funds. Regardless of who is spending it, this funding is required to be spent on EV infrastructure; it cannot be used on roads or bridges. 

Q: Will WYDOT own and operate any of this EV infrastructure?

A: WYDOT will not own, operate or maintain EV charging stations. WYDOT's role in NEVI is infrastructure planning and ensuring funding is properly spent within the state.

Q: Where will the NEVI funds be spent?

A: FHWA requires that the NEVI Program funds are first spent on charging stations within one mile of the federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. In Wyoming, I-80, I-25, and I-90 are AFCs. Wyoming's Year 1 and 2 NEVI plans outline strategies for spending the funding along the AFCs, including filling gaps in seven key areas. However, as NEVI program guidance has continued to develop, WYDOT has instead decided to expand qualifying areas for the RFP to specific zones. More information will be announced in WYDOT's Year 3 Plan (to be released) and the upcoming RFP.
Once federal requirements on the AFCs have been met, NEVI Program funds can be spent along other highways or in other communities. WYDOT preemptively identified routes for off-corridor prioritization, but they are not binding and may be adjusted as the market continues to grow. 

Q: What types of charging stations will be constructed with NEVI funding?

A: Charging stations meeting NEVI requirements must provide Level 3 (Direct Current Fast Charging) stations capable of supporting four vehicles charging simultaneously with 150 kW of power.

Q: Did WYDOT ask for an exception to the 50-mile requirements?

A: Yes, Wyoming’s NEVI plans requested exceptions to the 50-mile requirement along interstates in a few key areas. Of the eight 50-mile exemptions Wyoming requested in Year 1, only one was approved. WYDOT requested a 50-mile exemption again in the Year 2 NEVI plan and received approval. Wyoming expects to ask for exemptions to the 50 mile requirement again in future years. 

Q: Are there plans to install charging stations at the rest areas?

A: No, the Federal Government does not allow the commercialization of federally-supported rest areas. Wyoming's rest areas are federally supported. 

Q: How can I be notified about updates to the NEVI program?

A: Please call 307-777-4381 to sign up for our EV stakeholder email list, where you'll receive email updates about the Wyoming NEVI Program and other EV grants available.