The cash is part of a larger $2 billion commitment to zero-emissions infrastructure and awareness campaign. Even if you can't take advantage of the chargers, it'll be hard to completely escape VW's marketing push.

This will undoubtedly help VW's increasingly ambitious EV plans, but it could be a big deal for American drivers as a whole. Combined with other networks, it could make fast, non-proprietary EV charging stations relatively commonplace in heavily populated areas. The biggest challenge may be serving quieter regions. Until you can reliably travel cross-country (particularly in rural areas), it'll still be easier for some people to live with gas-powered vehicles.