Charging Smart is a program that awards communities for electric vehicle (EV) readiness. The program provides personalized, no-cost technical assistance to help municipalities achieve an expansion of EVs in their community. Charging Smart is modeled after the SolSmart program, which offers support for local governments in adopting solar-friendly policies in accordance with economic development and sustainability goals.
Free EV Guidance for Local Governments
Action at the local level to increase access to charging stations is fundamental to EV expansion and accessibility. Charging Smart provides a roadmap for these actions so local governments don’t have to start from scratch.
Charging Smart also helps lower the cost of deploying EV charging infrastructure (also known as “EV supply equipment,” or EVSE for short). “Soft costs,” or non-hardware costs such as those associated with permitting, inspection, and interconnection, can unnecessarily drive up the overall cost of EVSE. By helping local governments streamline their policies to avoid unnecessary burdens, Charging Smart helps to reduce EVSE soft costs.
Benefits
Increasing the amount of EV infrastructures encourages the use of EVs. This creates numerous economic opportunities and health benefits, including lower emissions, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution and increased jobs.
Reducing “Soft Costs”
Permitting, inspection, interconnection and other non-hardware costs represent a significant portion of EV charging costs. By helping local governments streamline their policies, Charging Smart aims to reduce those costs.
Achieving Metrics
Local governments that achieve certain metrics can be awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold designations, a public recognition of their status as an EV-friendly community.
Charging Smart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with Great Plains Institute serving as lead partner. Other partners include Virginia Clean Cities, RMI, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Drive Clean Colorado, Long Beach Clean Cities and North Central Texas Council of Governments. Charging Smart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO).
Resources
Download the 1-pager to get an overview of the program.
Download the Program Guide for a detailed view of the designation activities.
Get Started
Interested Virginia local governments can contact VCC’s Matt Wade at mwade@active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site.
Matt Wade, Deputy Director
Email: mwade@active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site
Phone: (540) 568-4051