Tesla has been overlooked for the second time by the Biden Administration for funding that would support the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging corridor for semi-trucks on the West Coast.
This marks the second instance where the Biden White House has denied Tesla funding for the project, which it is collaborating on with California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
Funding Denied Despite Strong Application
In this round of funding, the Department of Transportation awarded $636 million to 49 applicants.
Tesla was not among the recipients. SCAQMD confirmed to TechCrunch that both entities had reapplied for funding during this round.
Tesla initially sought funding in 2023 under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program.
This program is part of the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, signed into law in 2021.
The first request from Tesla and SCAQMD was denied in 2024.
Tesla’s Charging Corridor Plan
Following the creation of the CFI program, Tesla developed plans for an EV charging corridor stretching from Fremont in Northern California to Laredo, Texas, near the Mexican border.
The proposed corridor would include nine stops:
- Fremont, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Compton, CA
- Indio, CA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Simon, AZ
- Sparks, TX
- Fort Stockton, TX
- Laredo, TX
Future Funding Prospects
This is unlikely to be the final round of funding under the CFI program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law set aside $2.5 billion for expanding EV charging infrastructure.
This means there’s still plenty of funding up for grabs in the future.
Now, with President-elect Donald Trump about to take office in just a week, many are wondering if Tesla’s luck might change.
Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have a history of working together, which could influence future funding decisions.