This bill would change title 23 of the U.S. Code so that electric vehicle charging infrastructure for passenger automobiles can be allowed at rest areas on the Interstate System. The Secretary would be required to permit such charging, consistent with section 109(s). The bill refers to passenger automobiles as defined in 49 U.S.C. 32901(a). It also says nothing in this change allows other commercial activities at rest areas except what is necessary for charging. The bill makes conforming edits to remove some existing statutory references to electric vehicle charging stations. It includes a statement that the Act is not intended as a statement of congressional intent about existing authority under section 111. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley on August 1, 2025, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
If enacted, rest areas on the Interstate System could host electric vehicle chargers for passenger cars. The chargers must be permitted by the Secretary and must be used for charging only; unrelated commercial activities at rest areas would not be authorized by this change. The bill does not set how many chargers would be installed, who would pay, or a timeline for installation. The measure is currently in committee.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include funding provisions or cost estimates.
The bill's short title states its purpose: to "alleviate range gaps" by permitting electric vehicle charging at highway rest areas.
No publicly available information.