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.

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.

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. 

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 EVs brings numerous other economic and health benefits, including lower emissions, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution and increased jobs.

Equity:

All Americans will have equal access to charging infrastructure. 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.

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). Learn more about the program at ChargingSmart.org. 

Interested Virginia local governments can contact VCC’s EV Program Manager Bruce Vlk at bvlk@vacleancities.org.