Report Warns Federal EV Charger Programs Lack Performance Oversight

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a detailed assessment of the federal government’s efforts to support electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, concluding that both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation must significantly improve performance management if federal investments are to deliver their intended impact. Titled “Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Improved Performance Management Needs to Be Part of Any Related Federal Efforts” (GAO-25-106992), the July 2025 report was prepared in response to a Congressional directive following years of federal funding for EV charging under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The report outlines the unprecedented expansion of electric vehicles in the United States—3.5 million on the roads as of 2023—and the corresponding need for a robust national charging network. While the Department of Energy (DOE) and DOT, through the Joint Office, have made strides in coordinating the deployment of EV infrastructure, GAO's audit highlights critical gaps in how progress is being measured, reported, and aligned with long-term goals.

The Joint Office, created in 2021 and staffed by both DOE and DOT personnel, was specifically designed to streamline interagency collaboration on EV charger deployment. Although GAO found that the agencies generally followed eight leading practices for interagency collaboration—including defining common outcomes and bridging organizational cultures—it sharply criticized the lack of a fully implemented performance management framework. The Joint Office does not have measurable, time-bound performance goals, nor does it systematically use performance data to guide decisions or demonstrate progress. GAO acknowledged the Joint Office’s support role in reviewing state deployment plans and its technical assistance activities, but concluded these efforts are being carried out without a clear system for tracking outcomes.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which administers the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, was also faulted for failing to implement adequate performance measures. While FHWA has reported some basic metrics—such as the number of chargers installed—GAO found that it lacks defined short-term performance goals for both NEVI and CFI. These programs received $7.5 billion in combined funding under the IIJA, but as of April 2025, had resulted in only 384 publicly accessible chargers.

The GAO report lands amid political upheaval over infrastructure spending. A January 2025 executive order from the Trump administration paused the disbursement of certain IIJA funds and initiated a review of NEVI and CFI activities. In February 2025, FHWA further rescinded its guidance to state DOTs on implementing NEVI, putting state plans into limbo. Meanwhile, the Joint Office has experienced significant staffing reductions, operating with only 17 staff as of May 2025—down from about 50 the year prior. Despite these disruptions, GAO emphasized that the need for a clear performance management strategy remains essential, particularly to maintain transparency and public trust in the efficacy of federal programs.

Stakeholders interviewed by GAO—including state DOTs, grant recipients, and private industry—reported a range of challenges in implementing the federal programs. These included complex federal requirements, power supply limitations in rural areas, high costs, and coordination difficulties between state energy and transportation agencies. While many praised the Joint Office’s technical support and information-sharing efforts, they also noted the absence of streamlined guidance and standardized expectations for performance reporting.

In response to its findings, GAO made three recommendations, calling on both the Joint Office and DOT to fully implement performance management frameworks with clear goals, measurable targets, and timelines. While neither agency took a position on the recommendations, the report underscores the urgency of establishing mechanisms that ensure taxpayer dollars spent on EV infrastructure deliver lasting, measurable results.

The full GAO report can be accessed here: GAO-25-106992

Disclaimer: This blog post summarizes findings from GAO Report GAO-25-106992. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this summary does not constitute legal advice or official GAO commentary. Please refer to the original report for comprehensive details.