Charging Smart, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded technical assistance and designation program is now available in all 50 states. Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure.
By removing barriers to EV deployment, participating communities can unlock economic development, cleaner air, and other local benefits while maintaining project safety. Local governments can earn bronze, silver or gold designations, providing national recognition of their status as an EV-friendly community.
Charging Smart initially launched in a pilot phase in 2023, providing services to local governments primarily in the South and Midwest, as well as Colorado, Connecticut and southern California. Now, cities and counties in any state can access the benefits of participation.
Charging Smart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with Great Plains Institute (GPI) serving as lead partner on the project. Other partners include RMI, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Forth Mobility, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), EV Noire, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC), North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), and nine Clean Cities Coalitions, including Virginia Clean Cities.
Eight Virginia cities and counties have already signed their commitment letters for the Charging Smart program and are working with Virginia Clean Cities on their next steps in the process.
“The national launch of Charging Smart is an opportunity for all U.S. local governments—from large cities to small, rural towns—to deploy practices tailored to their specific needs,” said Ed Gilliland, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. “Drawing from a well-vetted menu of 150 specific actions, the program offers localities a clear path to achieve designation and become proficient in facilitating the growth of EVs and EV charging.”
Charging Smart is part of DOE’s Energy Ready suite of programs, which help local governments strategically manage the expansion of distributed energy technologies, including EV charging infrastructure, solar power, and distributed wind energy. All Energy Ready programs offer free technical assistance to U.S. local governments, helping them cut red tape, save staff time, ensure safety and increase economic development associated with these technologies.
For more information on Charging Smart, including how eligible communities can sign up, visit ChargingSmart.org. In addition, the program is offering a free Introduction to Charging Smart webinar on Feb. 4, 2025. Register here.