EV Infrastructure Construction Contracts: A Contractor's Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging Station Projects
Comprehensive guide to winning and executing EV charging infrastructure construction contracts. Learn about federal funding programs, technical requirements, and how contractors can capitalize on this growing market.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure represents one of the largest construction opportunities of the decade. With billions in federal funding now flowing to states and record EV adoption rates, contractors who position themselves now will capture significant market share in this rapidly growing sector.
EV Infrastructure Market Overview
The EV charging infrastructure market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by federal investment, state mandates, and accelerating electric vehicle adoption. This creates massive opportunities for construction contractors across multiple trades.
- $7.5B in dedicated federal NEVI funding through 2026
- Federal goal of 500,000 chargers by 2030
- State mandates for EV adoption and infrastructure
- EV sales approaching 10% of new vehicle purchases
- Corporate fleet electrification commitments
- DC Fast Charging stations (highway corridors)
- Community charging hubs
- Workplace charging installations
- Multi-family residential charging
- Fleet depot electrification
- Grid interconnection and utility upgrades
Market Reality: Current EV charging infrastructure meets only about 20% of projected 2030 needs. This gap represents hundreds of thousands of charging stations that must be designed, permitted, and constructed over the next several years—creating sustained demand for qualified contractors.
Federal Funding Programs
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created multiple funding streams for EV infrastructure. Understanding these programs helps contractors identify opportunities and meet specific requirements.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program provides formula-based funding to states for building out EV charging along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
Key Requirements
- • DC Fast Charging (150kW minimum)
- • Every 50 miles along AFCs
- • Within 1 mile of highway exits
- • Minimum 4 ports per station
- • 97% uptime reliability required
- • Buy America requirements apply
Funding Structure
- • 80% federal / 20% non-federal match
- • Allocated by state based on formula
- • States submit annual plans
- • Contracts through state DOTs or agencies
- • Prevailing wage requirements
Competitive discretionary grants for EV charging in communities, including underserved and rural areas not covered by NEVI corridor requirements.
Community Program
- • Publicly accessible charging
- • Focus on underserved communities
- • Light-duty vehicle charging
- • Multi-unit dwelling locations
- • Workplace charging eligible
Corridor Program
- • Alternative fuel corridors
- • Medium/heavy-duty charging
- • Hydrogen fueling eligible
- • Fleet charging infrastructure
- • Higher power requirements
Clean School Bus
$5B for electric school buses and charging infrastructure at bus depots.
Low/No Emission Bus
Transit agency funding for bus electrification and charging facilities.
USDA Rural Programs
Grants for EV infrastructure in rural communities and agricultural areas.
Project Types and Scope
EV infrastructure projects range from single charger installations to large-scale charging plazas. Understanding the different project types helps contractors identify opportunities that match their capabilities.
Typical Scope
- • 4-10 DC fast chargers (150-350kW)
- • Utility service upgrade/transformer
- • Concrete pads and canopies
- • Site lighting and ADA compliance
- • Signage and wayfinding
Typical Scope
- • Mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers
- • Parking lot modifications
- • Electrical infrastructure
- • Customer amenities (shelters, lighting)
- • Payment system integration
Typical Scope
- • High-power depot chargers
- • Major utility service upgrades
- • Energy management systems
- • Building modifications
- • On-site energy storage (optional)
Typical Scope
- • Level 2 chargers in parking areas
- • Electrical panel upgrades
- • Conduit and wiring runs
- • Load management systems
- • Billing/access controls
Scope Complexity Factor
Utility interconnection is often the longest lead-time item on EV projects. Projects in areas with limited grid capacity may require significant utility upgrades that extend timelines by 6-12 months. Understanding utility coordination is critical for accurate proposals.
Technical Requirements
EV infrastructure projects have specific technical requirements that differ from traditional electrical work. Contractors must understand charger types, power requirements, and federal standards.
- 208-240V AC, 32-80A
- 6.6-19.2 kW output
- 4-10 hours for full charge
- Workplace/destination use
- 400-1000V DC
- 50-350+ kW output
- 20-45 min to 80%
- Highway corridor use
- Up to 1+ MW output
- MCS connector standard
- Overnight depot charging
- Transit/trucking fleets
Station Requirements
- Minimum 150 kW per charging port
- At least 4 ports per station
- CCS connector required (NACS also accepted)
- 97% uptime reliability
- 24/7 publicly accessible
Compliance Requirements
- Buy America requirements for equipment
- ADA accessibility compliance
- OCPP 1.6J or 2.0.1 networking
- Payment acceptance (contactless)
- Real-time data sharing
Contractor Qualifications
EV infrastructure projects require specific qualifications and experience. Here's what agencies and site hosts look for when selecting contractors.
- State electrical license
Master electrician or journeyman supervision
- High-voltage experience
480V 3-phase systems, utility interconnection
- EVSE certification
EVITP or manufacturer certification preferred
- Prior EV installation experience
Document completed projects and references
- General contractor license
Valid state license for project scope
- Site work experience
Concrete, grading, ADA compliance
- Utility coordination
Experience with utility interconnection
- Federal project experience
Prevailing wage, Buy America compliance
EVITP Certification
The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) provides industry-recognized certification for EV charging installation. While not always required, EVITP certification demonstrates competence and is increasingly requested by agencies and site hosts.
Level 2 residential/commercial
DC fast charging systems
Fleet depot and make-ready
Procurement Process
EV infrastructure procurement varies by project type and funding source. Understanding these processes helps contractors position for opportunities effectively.
State Plan Approval
Federal Highway Administration approves state's annual NEVI deployment plan
Site Selection
State DOT or designated agency identifies compliant locations
RFP/Solicitation
Competitive procurement for site host, network operator, and/or construction
Award and Construction
Contract award, federal oversight, construction to NEVI standards
Many agencies use design-build procurement for EV infrastructure to accelerate deployment.
- Single contract for design and construction
- Faster project delivery
- Contractor takes design responsibility
- Best-value selection common
Large EV network operators frequently subcontract construction work to local contractors.
- ChargePoint, EVgo, Electrify America
- Tesla Supercharger network expansion
- Regional master service agreements
- Utility make-ready programs
Key Stakeholders
Understanding the EV infrastructure ecosystem helps contractors identify decision-makers and build relationships that lead to work.
- Issue RFPs/solicitations
- Manage federal funds
- Set state requirements
- Approve site locations
- Retail/convenience stores
- Shopping centers
- Hotels/restaurants
- Parking operators
- Manage charger operations
- Select construction contractors
- Maintain equipment
- Process payments
- Grid interconnection
- Service upgrades
- Make-ready programs
- Demand charges
Winning Strategies
Success in EV infrastructure construction requires strategic positioning, technical competence, and relationship building. Here are proven strategies for winning work.
- Start with Level 2 commercial installations
- Seek utility make-ready program participation
- Document all EV projects for references
- Pursue EVITP certification for your team
- Partner with experienced contractors initially
- Connect with network operators' procurement teams
- Register with utility contractor programs
- Build relationships at state DOTs/energy offices
- Join industry associations (AFNAF, ZETA)
- Attend EV infrastructure conferences and events
Differentiation Strategies
Technical Excellence
- • Multiple manufacturer certifications
- • Utility coordination expertise
- • Complex site experience
Compliance Capability
- • Buy America documentation
- • Prevailing wage experience
- • Federal reporting systems
Speed to Deployment
- • Established supply chains
- • Pre-qualified teams
- • Permitting relationships
Common Challenges
EV infrastructure projects present unique challenges that contractors should anticipate and plan for.
- Utility Interconnection Delays
Grid upgrades and service connections can take 6-18 months. Early utility coordination is critical.
- Equipment Supply Chain
Charger lead times remain extended. Buy America requirements limit sourcing options.
- Permitting Complexity
Multiple agencies involved—electrical, building, fire, environmental, ADA. Jurisdictions have varying experience.
- Site Conditions
Existing infrastructure, underground utilities, and space constraints complicate installations.
- Buy America Requirements
Iron, steel, and manufactured products must meet domestic content rules. Documentation burden is significant.
- Davis-Bacon Wages
NEVI projects require prevailing wages. Proper classification of workers is essential.
- Evolving Standards
NEVI technical requirements continue to evolve. Connector standards (CCS/NACS) in transition.
- Data and Reporting
Federal programs require extensive reporting on costs, performance, and equity metrics.
Pro Tip: Budget for the Unknown
EV infrastructure projects frequently encounter unexpected conditions—underground utilities, soil contamination, or utility coordination delays. Build appropriate contingencies into proposals and maintain clear change order provisions in contracts.
State Programs and Opportunities
Each state administers NEVI funding differently and may have additional state-funded programs. Key states with significant EV infrastructure investment include:
$384M NEVI + state programs
Caltrans/CEC
Largest EV market, aggressive goals
$408M NEVI
TxDOT
Large corridor network, rapid growth
$198M NEVI
FDOT
Tourism-focused deployments
$175M NEVI + NYSERDA
NYSDOT
Strong utility programs
$171M NEVI
PennDOT
Interstate corridor focus
$140M NEVI
ODOT
Midwest corridor hub
Finding State Opportunities
- Monitor state DOT procurement portals for NEVI-related solicitations
- Track state energy office grant programs for non-NEVI funding
- Review utility EV infrastructure programs for make-ready and installation work
- Attend state EV infrastructure stakeholder meetings
Future Outlook
The EV infrastructure market will continue growing for the foreseeable future. Here's what contractors should anticipate:
- Corridor buildout accelerating through 2026
- Community charging programs expanding
- Fleet electrification driving depot projects
- Multi-family residential market growing
- Heavy-duty charging infrastructure emerging
- Megawatt charging for trucks and buses
- V2G (vehicle-to-grid) capable installations
- Solar canopy integrated charging
- Battery storage co-location
- Hydrogen fueling stations
Long-Term Perspective: EV infrastructure construction is not a short-term opportunity—it's a multi-decade transition. Contractors who build capabilities now will have sustained competitive advantages as the market matures. Even after the initial buildout, ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and expansion will create continuous demand.
BidFinds Advantage
BidFinds helps contractors discover EV infrastructure opportunities from government agencies, utilities, and private sector clients. Stay ahead of the competition with real-time alerts and comprehensive bid coverage.
Find EV Opportunities
- NEVI program solicitations from all 50 states
- CFI grant recipient construction RFPs
- Utility make-ready and EVSE programs
- Transit authority fleet electrification projects
Competitive Intelligence
- Track awarded EV infrastructure contracts
- Identify active competitors in your market
- Research winning bid prices and terms
- Monitor state NEVI deployment progress
Pro Tip: Set up keyword alerts for "EV charging," "NEVI," "electric vehicle infrastructure," and "EVSE" to receive instant notifications when new opportunities are posted. Include your state's DOT and energy office in your agency filters.
Capture the EV Infrastructure Opportunity
Electric vehicle infrastructure represents a generational construction opportunity. Billions in federal and state funding are flowing to projects across the country, and the buildout has only just begun. Contractors who invest in building their capabilities, certifications, and relationships now will be well-positioned to capture significant market share in this rapidly growing sector.
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