In a concerning development, it has been revealed that not a single electric vehicle (EV) charging station has been completed since President Joe Biden persuaded Congress to allocate $7.5 billion for the construction of a nationwide network. This lack of progress in building charging stations could potentially impact President Biden's reelection bid in 2024.

According to Politico, industry insiders attribute the delays to the complexities and requirements surrounding the law's contracting and performance stipulations. The majority of the allocated funds, amounting to $5 billion, are specifically designated for the construction of fast chargers along major interstates as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

Under the NEVI program, chargers must be installed at least every 50 miles along major highway routes and should maintain an operational rate of 97 percent. However, industry experts argue that while installing chargers individually may not be overly challenging, creating a cohesive network poses a greater difficulty.

Biden administration insiders have acknowledged the gradual pace, emphasizing the importance of creating a seamless and equitable network that is convenient and affordable for all. They have indicated that they anticipate a surge in charging station construction in early 2024.

So far, a mere two EV charging stations have begun construction - one in Pennsylvania and the other in Ohio. The NEVI funds are dispersed to states, which can then contract private companies for the installation process. Every state has submitted a plan to receive the NEVI funds, and if governors choose to reject the funds, municipalities can apply for them.

However, Politico discovered that 27 states and Washington, D.C. have yet to solicit bids, with Missouri officials stating that the bidding process may not commence until 2025. On the positive side, 15 states and Puerto Rico have already started gathering bids, while six states have awarded contracts for their initial round of charging sites.

The delays in building EV charging stations could have political ramifications for President Biden, who has been actively promoting an electric vehicle agenda since taking office. With the lack of progress in charging station construction, the President's messaging in support of electric vehicles may be undermined during his reelection campaign in 2024.

Former President Donald Trump has already indicated his intention to roll back any electric vehicle infrastructure plans if he were to regain the White House. Trump has been skeptical of transitioning to greener technologies, denying climate change and expressing criticisms of wind energy. He even famously stated that owning an electric car is only enjoyable for the first 10 minutes.

Furthermore, Congressional Republicans have taken steps to hinder Biden's electric vehicle agenda. Republican Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman attempted to defund the NEVI program through an amendment in November, although it was ultimately voted down.

Administration officials, however, remain confident and unfazed, pointing out that several red state governors and private sector leaders have expressed support for the program. Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine, for instance, has affirmed his commitment to the NEVI program and the benefits it will bring to Ohioans.

As the lack of progress in building EV charging stations continues, attention will be closely focused on whether the Biden administration can overcome the delays and deliver on its promise to create a robust and efficient nationwide network. The success or failure of this endeavor could have significant implications for the future of electric vehicles in America.