Challenge

Access to charging is essential for drivers of all kinds. However, affordable access to clean transportation can face additional challenges for underserved tribal communities, including power availability, investment potential, and community buy-in. What can we achieve with intentional, proactive community engagement?

Objectives and solutions

The Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal EV Charging Community Network, referred to as “Electric Nation,” is a “whole of economy approach” to provide access to clean and affordable transportation for underserved tribal communities. Electric Nation’s goals include increasing access for communities to essential services and increasing collaboration across the upper Midwest region tribal communities.

Electric Nation is a growing regional community-led EV charging initiative. It is a holistically designed project led by Native Sun Community Power Development (NSCPD) and Standing Rock (SAGE) Renewable Energy Power Authority and in partnership with the American Lung Association, Minnesota Center for Energy & Environment, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Xcel Energy, Ottertail Power, Minnesota Power, and Zef Energy.

While the project is not exclusive to multifamily housing (MFH) residential charging, it is notable for its structure and approach to curating investments in EV charging, led by community-based decision-making and community priorities. Currently, in the middle of its three-year grant cycle, Electric Nation is building its foundation. Specific project goals include:

• Install 55 direct current fast-charging units on Tribal lands and connect them to main travel routes and other Tribal communities. 
• Install 60 Level 2 EV supply equipment points at community gathering spots, including grocery stores, multifamily housing, Tribal colleges, casinos, and other destinations. 
• Deploy EVs in Tribal fleets, including 16 light-duty EVs, an electric shuttle, and two electric school buses. 
• Implement two workforce training programs for the members of Red Lake Nation and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
• Implement 52 educational sessions for communities about EV usage and benefits.

Elements for Success

• Community leadership and decision-making ensure that investments made through Electric Nation are well-designed for and supported by the community. Too often, projects intended to benefit communities are initiated without their input and result in a mismatch between the needs and desires of the community and project output. Electric Nation offers a model for community-centered planning that focuses on the needs of the community. When implementing solutions intended to support MFH residents in their mobility needs, robust community engagement is needed to ensure the solution meets the need. The aesthetics of EV chargers emerged as a key concern for community members in feedback sessions. Electric Nation implemented this feedback by partnering with Indigenous artists to make the infrastructure inclusive and welcoming to ensure the usage of the stations.
• Distributed energy resources (DERs) were essential to support chargers and offset the cost of each station. Co-locating DERs with EV chargers enabled charger installation across varying sites by avoiding high demand charges and expanding potential site locations.
• External funding has supported the creation and ongoing growth of this project. Cost-sharing among the project partners supports the remaining costs not covered by the federal grant.

References

• Tribal nations, utilities partner on EV access and reliability in the Upper Midwest
• Our Work | Native Sun Community Power Development – Minneapolis, MN 
• The unique role some Tribal nations are taking in the EV transition – Plug In America
• Native-led EV initiative launches by distributing millions of dollars worth of vehicles to tribal communities | MPR News
• Mobility Equity Framework: How to Make Transportation Work for People – The Greenlining Institute

Recap:

Charger type: Level 2 and fast charging
Charging type: Public
Problem addressed: Access, Cost, Equipment
Solution type: Community

The post Electric Nation is providing access to clean and affordable transportation for underserved tribal communities appeared first on Plug In America.

Challenge

One challenge for owners and managers of multifamily housing properties in installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers is that the process can require many complex steps, from conducting feasibility assessments to obtaining permits and managing the installation. It can also be challenging to identify and apply for relevant incentives at the federal, state, and local levels. How can property managers find an easier way to install chargers and plan for the future?

Objectives and solutions

Ecology Action provides full-service support for charging installation at small businesses and multifamily housing with a focus on community engagement and continued outreach. Ecology Action’s unique standpoint as a non-profit organization committed to equitable climate solutions enables it to support communities before, during, and after EV charger installations. Through their EVs for Everyone project, the organization hosts ride-and-drive events and helps residents of the central California coast make the decision to go electric. To give residents more opportunities to charge at home or nearby, they offer full-service assistance for installing EV chargers, which is offered at a reduced cost or free for some property owners.

Ecology Action helps property owners find and secure relevant EV charging incentives and rebates. It also conducts a feasibility assessment and provides a customized project design. Then, it assigns an EV Charging Project Manager to assist with the entire installation process, including permitting and on-site management. 

In response to the needs and capacities of low- to middle-income resident communities, Ecology Action often recommends lower-power Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, which cost less and provide just the right amount of power for residents. They also provide training both for property owners installing chargers and for the community as a whole. The organization has received funding from the California Energy Commission and the local electric utility PG&E. Through this program, property owners install EV chargers for around half the cost of electric utility programs. Ecology Action’s focus on equity, community outreach, and cost savings makes this project impactful for EV drivers who live in multifamily housing.

Elements for Success

• The organization’s feasibility studies put no pressure on building owners to purchase specific chargers, so they can work to find charging solutions that work best for their buildings.
• Community outreach, specifically to low- and middle-income residents, is a key component of this program, which works to create a supportive environment for EV drivers and those looking to switch to electric. Ecology Action also offers bilingual assistance to reach even more community members.

References

• EV-Charging Installation & Rebates in California | Ecology Action
• EVs for Everyone

Recap:

Charger type: Level 1 and Level 2
Charging type: Public or Private
Problem addressed: Access, Equipment
Solution type: Community

The post Ecology Action provides EV charging incentives and Installation for small businesses and multifamily housing appeared first on Plug In America.

Challenge

Not everyone wants or needs to own a vehicle. Especially in dense urban areas, owning a vehicle can be a liability. Cars themselves are expensive, but registration, financing, inspections, maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs add up. How can low- and moderate-income households access the benefits of a clean vehicle without having to own one?

Objectives and solutions

Forth, a nonprofit organization, partners with other local organizations to provide affordable EV car sharing in multiple locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and New Mexico. Local residents can access the cars by downloading an app and making a one-time payment of $10. After completing an orientation, program participants receive a $20 ride credit for their first drive. Rentals cost between $4 and $6 an hour plus tax. 

GoForth offers several advantages to drivers and communities. In addition to providing high-quality, reliable private transportation to low- and moderate-income drivers without cars, the charging installations include extra Level 2 charging ports to expand access to EV charging in communities with limited access to home charging. It also offers drivers a low-risk, no-pressure opportunity to try an EV locally and see how it can meet their transportation needs.  

This program is designed to provide lower-income communities with the cost and air quality benefits of clean transportation. It intentionally prioritizes vehicles and charging at affordable housing developments. The program has been so successful that the model is expanding to additional locations in participating states and new locations such as North Carolina and Missouri. GoForth is built on support from local electric utilities, the U.S. Department of Energy, foundations, municipalities, and state agencies. 

Elements for Success

• The GoForth Carshare program offers extremely low-cost private transportation options in late-model zero-emission vehicles. Forth is able to keep costs low through grants they receive. 
• Utility and federal partnerships have helped the program get started and expand.

References

• GoForth Carshare Program
• Albuquerque brings the energy to affordable transportation
• GoForth Guidebook

Recap:

Charger type: Level 2
Charging Type: Public
Problem addressed: Access, Cost, Equipment
Solution type: Community

The post GoForth’s carshare program provides affordable EV carshare and charging in multiple locations appeared first on Plug In America.

Challenge

Historically underserved communities, including Black, Brown, and rural communities, can face additional barriers to access to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Prospective EV drivers often cite the lack of access to charging as a primary concern. How can historically underserved communities access and benefit from EV charging?

Objectives and solutions

Through their creative Communities in Charge program, Dunamis Charge connects community organizations such as churches and nonprofits with public EV charging stations for free. The program works to bring charging access and affordability to economically disadvantaged communities while empowering community churches and organizations to operate as charging hosts. In partnership with DTE Energy, Communities in Charge deploys public Level 2 charging in locations where residents often lack access to charging and have less exposure to EVs. The chargers are available to area residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can serve as a source of revenue for churches and nonprofits. The chargers are situated in high-traffic areas for people to know they can charge when needed. 

DTE Energy offers rebates through Communities in Charge for charger costs, necessary infrastructure upgrades, and installation. The program now has about 40 sites (each with multiple charging ports, for a rough estimate of at least 80 chargers) online. The churches and nonprofits, mainly located in Detroit, MI, receive training and marketing materials through the program. Dunamis Charge also partnered with ChargerHelp to maintain the chargers.

Each site host determines the cost of each charging session for EV drivers. Some hosts charge drivers for each session, others provide free charging, and some discount the cost of charging for drivers who use their stations. What’s been key is the process of working in partnership with each community host to knowledge-share and understand what information they need. 

Elements for Success

• The utility partnership with DTE Energy enabled Communities in Charge through a $1.5 million investment that provides rebates to cover costs for the program’s community hosts within DTE’s service territory. This capital investment not only provides access to charging in communities but also raises awareness in the community about EV technology more broadly to further encourage EV adoption.
• Communities in Charge relies on diligent, comprehensive outreach led by messengers from within the community. Leaning on their team’s strong ties to the faith community, Dunamis Charge generated interest in the program by calling each church in the area. This demonstrates the need for considerate and comprehensive outreach from trusted sources.

References

• Home EV Charger Rebate | DTE Energy 
• The EV charging company that runs on faith – E&E News by POLITICO
• Dunamis Charge

Recap:

Average charging cost: $1.50 per hour
Charging type: Public
Problem addressed: Access, Equipment
Solution type: Community

The post Dunamis Charge connects underserved communities with free EV chargers at local churches and community organizations appeared first on Plug In America.