Massachusetts has not deployed a single electric vehicle charger through the federal NEVI program, despite receiving $64 million in funding nearly four years ago. The state selected three vendors in 2022 to plan and build charging stations along major highways, but only two contracts—with Applegreen and Global Partners—have been finalized. Work so far has focused on engineering, permitting, and procurement, with no operational chargers yet. Meanwhile, neighboring states like Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York have already installed NEVI-funded charging stations, as have more geographically spread states like Utah and Ohio.

State officials and transit advocates express frustration over the delay. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) confirmed the lack of progress but did not respond to questions about the causes. Eric Bourassa of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council said he lacks insight into the holdup, while former transportation secretary Jim Aloisi called the slow pace 'mystifying' given the state's strong support for EV adoption. MassDOT estimates the NEVI funds could support up to 92 charging ports.

Recent signs point to movement: Applegreen has ordered equipment for sites in Greenfield and Newburyport, aiming for construction by late July. Global Partners is finalizing plans for locations in Lancaster, Wrentham, and Raynham and has begun procurement. However, the status of the third vendor, Weston & Sampson, remains unclear. With nearly $4 million already spent on planning, the state now faces scrutiny over timelines and accountability as it works to catch up.