PennDOT has flipped the switch on a new Community Charging funding round, opening the door for public EV chargers to pop up in neighborhoods and commercial hubs across southeastern Pennsylvania. The move uses federal NEVI dollars and is billed as the next phase of a statewide push to move beyond highway-only charging and into everyday destinations. The initial rollout zeroes in on Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, with the agency pledging to help connect local site hosts with charger builders and operators.
In a press release via PennDOT, the agency said it is steering $100 million in federal NEVI funding toward community-focused charging projects, with roughly $34 million earmarked for southeastern Pennsylvania. The release notes that PennDOT has already committed federal funds to corridor chargers and is now shifting a large portion of the remaining NEVI dollars to community sites. The announcement also went out on social media, including Facebook, as part of the rollout.
How to Apply and Timeline
PennDOT has posted the full funding opportunity, an interactive map and supporting materials on its PennDOT Community Charging page. The agency says the eGrants portal will open June 1, with proposals due Aug. 21, and a webinar scheduled for March 12 to walk interested applicants through the process.
Organizations that want to host chargers but need technical or development partners can fill out a directory survey, which is available via PennDOT. The survey is designed to connect potential hosts with EV providers, builders and other collaborators. PennDOT’s Community Charging materials spell out who is eligible, how the 20 percent match requirement works and the other application rules applicants are expected to review before they submit.
Why It Matters for Drivers and Hosts
The Community Charging rounds allow Pennsylvania to use NEVI formula funds beyond the Alternative Fuel Corridors now that the state has received full build out certification, according to PennDOT. That certification opens the door for destination and neighborhood projects that can serve drivers who rely on charging at workplaces, shopping centers or community facilities rather than at highway exits.
PennDOT’s guidance also details the scoring criteria, the required coordination steps with utilities and the technical standards applicants must meet, so would-be hosts need to treat the fine print as required reading, not a suggestion.
What Local Leaders Said
Regional planning leaders are backing the investment. "These investments enable individuals from rural areas to the urban core to get to where they need to go efficiently and confidently," Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Ariella Maron said in a statement via PennDOT. County officials added that the money will help expand charging options in areas where EV registrations are climbing fastest.
PennDOT is urging potential hosts to dig into the posted materials and use the directory survey to find partners. Additional regional funding rounds are expected later in 2026, and application resources will remain available on the Community Charging page. Prospective applicants can send questions to [email protected] for guidance.
