Made in the USA: What Built America, Buy America (BABA) mean for EV charger purchases
Buy America rules require that certain federally funded projects use equipment made in the United States. For EV chargers funded through programs such as NEVI, that means final assembly in the U.S. and a minimum share of domestically manufactured components. The details are changing, so buyers should check the current federal rule before specifying equipment.
What the current rule requires
Under the Federal Highway Administration’s waiver for EV chargers, a charger on a federally funded project must meet two conditions for units manufactured on or after July 1, 2024:
- Final assembly in the United States.
- At least 55% of the cost of the charger’s components manufactured in the United States.
Charger housing components that are predominantly steel or iron must meet FHWA’s standard Buy America requirements as well.
Who is affected
These requirements apply to projects funded through FHWA programs such as NEVI. Privately funded projects are generally not covered, although some buyers choose domestic equipment for other reasons, including supply chain and service proximity.
Kempower’s North American manufacturing
Kempower manufactures BABA compliant DC fast chargers at our North American headquarters located in Durham, North Carolina, serving customers in the United States and Canada. The Durham facility opened officially in June 2024 and is one of four Kempower factories worldwide.
FAQ
What does Buy America mean for EV chargers? For federally funded projects, chargers must be assembled in the United States and meet a minimum share of domestic component cost, currently 55% under the FHWA waiver for units manufactured on or after July 1, 2024.
Does Buy America apply to privately funded charging projects? Generally no. The rules apply to projects funded through FHWA programs such as NEVI, though buyers should confirm the rules for their own funding source.
Where does Kempower manufacture chargers for North America? Kempower manufactures DC fast chargers in Durham, North Carolina, for customers in the United States and Canada.