From infrastructure to Adoption: How social media campaigns Shape State-Level Outcomes under the U.S. National Electric Vehicle infrastructure Program

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) represents a significant federal investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Although substantial research has examined charging infrastructure, incentives, and consumer attitudes, comparatively little attention has been devoted to how communication strategies are integrated into state-level EV infrastructure planning. This study examines communication approaches embedded in all fifty state NEVI plans, with particular attention to social media strategies, stakeholder engagement mechanisms, public outreach initiatives, equity considerations, and EV adoption objectives. Using document analysis, thematic content analysis, and a comparative case study methodology, the study identifies four communication maturity categories: Advanced, Moderate, Emerging, and Minimal. The findings reveal substantial variation in how states integrate communication activities into transportation electrification planning. States classified as Advanced generally incorporated broader stakeholder engagement mechanisms, multilingual outreach initiatives, transparency tools, and public information resources, whereas those classified as Emerging or Minimal did not. The study contributes to transportation policy, public communication, and technology transition research by highlighting communication as an increasingly visible component of transportation electrification planning. By developing a communication maturity typology, the study provides insights into how state agencies incorporate communication strategies within broader implementation frameworks supporting EV infrastructure deployment.