Chargeville is a rural township with 1,000 residents. Chargeville has worked with its state department of transportation (DOT) to install a handful of level 2 charging stations in the town’s square and has seen an increased interest in electrification since. Chargeville’s residents have been calling on their local government to electrify their fleet to help lessen emissions and protect their land. To electrify its fleet, Chargeville should:
- Start by applying for a Rural Energy for America audit. This will allow owners to understand what is needed to electrify vehicles and any upgrade to circuitry that might be needed.
- Apply for the Community Facilitates Direct Loan. These loans can cover light duty vehicle purchases that Chargeville township can use to electrify their own fleet.
- Apply for the Rural Economic Development Loan Program. Applications can help Chargeville access light and heavy duty EVSE to support newly purchased EVs. X can also use these funds to cover workforce development to champion clean energy jobs in their township.
- Take advantage of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. NEVI alternative fuel corridors will support the accessibility of EV charging stations by requiring that EV charging stations be placed every 50 miles along designated alternative fueled corridors, and that the EV charging stations be located no more than 1 mile off the highway. Rural communities should also work with states and cities to apply for the $2.5 billion competitive grant program, as 50% of that funding is set aside for rural and low-income communities.
Please note that the case study above is imaginary and that funding pathways will be updated by the EC monthly. Results are comprehensive but may not be reflective of imminent program changes. EV Funding Finder users should also be sure to inquire about state-specific incentives that could further support projects. For additional information on deadlines and RFPs, check out the Climate Program Portal.