U.S. Rep. Lawrence Introduces New Legislation to Promote Wireless EV Charging Projects

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) introduced H.R. 6546, the Wireless Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Grant Program Act of 2022, which creates a grant program in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for small-scale wireless EV charging projects. This bill is endorsed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, the ​​Electrification Coalition, ASPIRE, The Ray, and Accelerator for America Action. Click here to view the text of the bill.

Improving the United States' wireless EV charging infrastructure can help increase EV usage by reducing range anxiety for EV drivers, lowering the costs needed for batteries, and allowing all Americans, regardless of their physical ability, to access the benefits of EVs. Specifically, the Wireless EV Charging Grant Act of 2022 would:

Create a Wireless EV Charging Grant Program within DOT and authorize $50 million in grants for wireless EV charging projects located in roads, parking lots, bus routes, airports, and coastal and inland ports.
Prioritize wireless EV charging projects that, among others, focus on non-disruptive, cost-effective, and community-informed designs that are beneficial to the public.
Ensure that grantees pay fair wages (Davis-Bacon Act), comply with Buy America, and be neutral towards organized labor.
"Investing in electric vehicles is a key component of the United States staying competitive in the 21st Century. As we recently passed significant EV funding in the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, my new bill will keep the momentum going by investing in wireless EV charging projects," said Rep. Lawrence. "Being able to charge EVs with ease will help reduce range anxiety, lower costs, and allow all Americans--regardless of their physical ability--to use EVs. I'm proud to introduce legislation that moves us closer to meeting our goals of electrifying our fleet while combating climate change."

"Michigan is proud to be at the forefront of creating bold new blueprints for how the nation -- and the world -- can adopt advanced, next-generation technologies that will bring the future of high-tech mobility to life," said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "We're grateful for the steadfast leadership and collaboration of Congresswoman Lawrence in supporting this initiative at the federal level, demonstrating that not only is Michigan the place that put the world on wheels, but it's the place that will lead the charge in electrifying it, as well. Together, we will continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and putting Michiganders first."

"As the Michigan Department of Transportation works to support the electric vehicle industry with initiatives to ensure adequate charging capacity, we appreciate the work of U.S. Rep. Lawrence and other lawmakers in these endeavors," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. "Wireless in-road charging and other ground-breaking technologies further solidifies Michigan's leadership in mobility."

"The Electrification Coalition is committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the country, positioning the U.S. as a leader that will capture the economic and national security benefits of transportation electrification," said Ben Prochazka, Executive Director of the Electrification Coalition. "We must meet this EV moment by building new technologies to power the transition, including wireless EV charging. Representative Lawrence's bill will help ensure Michigan and the nation meet the EV charging needs of our transportation future."

"ASPIRE would like to thank Representative Lawrence for this groundbreaking legislation that will help affect the promises of wireless charging. As the US transitions to electrified transportation, many challenges remain. Can we mine enough minerals to support increasing battery sizes and production? How do we electrify long-haul trucking? How do we decrease costs and impacts of transportation for all users and communities? How do we leverage this transition to create more jobs," said Tallis Blalack, Ph.D., ASPIRE Managing Director. "Wireless charging can reduce the size of the battery needed, and thus the cost of all vehicle types, while providing a solution for electrified long-haul trucking by building new infrastructure that is shared among all vehicle classes. This much-needed funding will accelerate the wireless charging demonstration projects that are ongoing and is critical to scaling the technologies for widespread adoption."

"Accelerator for America Action advocates for policies that support catalytic local investments that build community wealth and drive generational change. Accelerator for America Action is proud to support the Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act," said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President and CEO of Accelerator for America Action. "This legislation takes critical steps to expand wireless charging technology that will reduce air pollution for frontline communities, incentivize fleet operators and transit agencies to invest in EVs and create sustainable workforce development programs that will lead to secure middle-class careers."

Cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Danny K. Davis (IL-7), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-8), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Dina Titus (NV-1), and Juan Vargas (CA-51).

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