#39: Biden's $635M farewell gift

Biden Administration announces $635M in zero-emission infrastructure grants and Ford continues its Power Promise program.

Author

Steve Taylor
January 18, 2025

Together with

The big stories:

  • Ford continues its Power Promise program through March.

  • Biden Administration announces $635M for EV charging and refueling infrastructure.

Plus, featured jobs and news.

Enjoy,

–Steve

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

Ford is extending its popular “Power Promise” promotion through March 2025, continuing to offer new EV buyers a complimentary home charger with standard installation.

The program includes:

  • Complimentary home charger and standard installation for new EV purchases or leases.

  • 24/7 live support with proactive charging assistance.

  • Improved roadside assistance, including towing to the nearest charging station or dealership.

The decision follows Ford’s record-breaking quarter for EV sales, with 97,865 EVs sold in 2024—a 27% year-over-year increase.

The program has shown early success, with installations completed in an average of just 11 days (from quote to installation). Roughly 85% of installations were classified as “standard,” incurring no additional costs for customers.

Steve's Take

Ford's continuation of the Power Promise program through Q1 2025 addresses two key EV adoption barriers: infrastructure complexity and upfront costs. By covering standard installation costs and providing a quick charger setup, Ford transforms a potential obstacle into a competitive advantage.

The program's high rate of no-cost installations proves Ford has accurately calibrated its offering to real customer needs. The quick installation process directly addresses the "charging anxiety" that often impacts new EV owners during their first weeks of ownership.

Ford's approach redefines the EV purchase journey as an integrated experience rather than a series of separate transactions. This holistic strategy – combining vehicle sales with charging infrastructure – could become the industry standard as EV competition intensifies.

By extending the program through early 2025, Ford strengthens its market position while building customer loyalty. This timing also aligns with projected EV market growth and positions Ford to capture an increasing share of mainstream adopters who value turnkey solutions.

–Steve

Power and Policy

The Federal Highway Administration has announced $635M in new grants to expand EV charging and alternative fuel infrastructure across the United States.

This latest investment will add over 11,500 EV charging ports through 49 projects spanning 27 states, four Federally Recognized Tribes, and D.C.

The funding breaks down into $368M for 42 "community" projects focused on local charging access. 

The remaining $268M supports seven "corridor" fast-charging initiatives along major highways.

67% of the funding targets disadvantaged communities, advancing the administration's Justice40 Initiative goals.

The program received 416 applications requesting over $4.05B—more than six times the available funding. 

Seven states secured their first CFI award in this round.

Rob's Take

While earlier federal investments prioritized highway corridors, this more balanced focus on community and corridor projects reflects a deeper understanding of diverse charging needs.

The overwhelming demand for funding highlights strong state and local interest in expanding EV infrastructure.

The continued prioritization of disadvantaged communities through the Justice40 initiative is particularly significant. With 67% of funds directed to these areas, the program not only addresses longstanding infrastructure inequities but also fosters economic growth in underserved regions.

The inclusion of hydrogen and natural gas infrastructure alongside EV charging also suggests a pragmatic strategy for advancing clean transportation, broadening support for zero-emission initiatives.

However, the transition to the Trump administration introduces uncertainty about the program’s future. Despite this, Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office, has expressed confidence that the EV charging program will endure through the transition.

–Rob 

Featured Jobs

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⚡️Steve and Rob

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