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 equitable 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.
Why Choose Charging Smart?
Charging Smart will increase access to charging stations and other essential components of EV infrastructure. By helping local governments streamline their policies to avoid unnecessary burdens, Charging Smart aims to reduce EV charger costs and increase the number of EVs in the community.
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.
Pilot Phasing
Pilot phasing for local governments in the states of Virginia, Colorado and the regions of North Texas and Southern California. Communities in Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio are already engaged in a pre-pilot test phase.
Equity
Charging infrastructure will be equitably accessible to all. Charging Smart is part of the Justice40 initiative, meaning the program has a federal mandate to ensure historically disadvantaged communities receive the benefits of this investment.
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).
Interested Virginia local governments can contact VCC’s EV Program Manager Bruce Vlk at bvlk@vacleancities.org.