Joe Biden’s ambitious claim of having constructed 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across America as a result of the bipartisan infrastructure bill has been met with scrutiny and has proven to be mostly false.
As of May 2024, only seven or eight of these charging stations have been completed—a stark contrast to the administration’s commitments.
During his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Biden credited his administration for spearheading a massive build-out of EV infrastructure, stating, “Creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean energy for American workers, including the IBEW installing 500,000—500,000—charging stations all across America.” This claim, however, does not reflect the current reality.
Joe Biden brags about building 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.
As of May, $7.5 billion has been spent — and only SEVEN chargers have been built. pic.twitter.com/nd83euSDZ4
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 20, 2024
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The bipartisan infrastructure bill, passed two-and-a-half years ago, earmarked $7.5 billion specifically for the development of a nationwide network of EV charging stations.
The administration’s goal was to establish 500,000 of these facilities. Yet, as recent reports and checks confirm, the progress made thus far is minimal, with only seven or eight stations operational.
The issue was brought into the spotlight during a May interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” where Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg was pressed for answers on the stark discrepancy between the administration’s ambitious claims and the actual achievements.
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 26, 2024
Buttigieg reassured the public that the remaining stations are expected to be completed by 2030. However, this timeline and the feasibility of such a promise have been met with skepticism.
This significant shortfall raises questions about the efficiency and execution of infrastructure initiatives under the Biden-Harris administration. Critics argue that this situation mirrors other unfulfilled promises, such as Kamala Harris’s pledge to add 3 million additional houses within four years—a target that remains far from reach.
Kamala Harris promises to build 3 million new homes in 4 years.
It has taken her 3 years and $7.5 billion to build 8 EV charging stations… 🤪pic.twitter.com/jnrhirnEs1 https://t.co/mGPiWxF7i7
— Financelot (@FinanceLancelot) August 16, 2024
The issue of the EV charging stations is particularly notable because it not only touches on environmental and energy policy but also on the administration’s capability to deliver on key infrastructure projects that are supposed to drive job creation and technological advancement.
Given this backdrop, it is clear that Joe Biden’s claim of having nearly completed a vast network of EV charging stations is premature. The responsibility to fulfill this promise may very well fall to his successor, whether it be Harris, former President Donald Trump, or another future leader.
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