Charging Smart: Supporting Local Government to Achieve Equitable Access to Electric Mobility
Louisiana Clean Fuels is excited to announce the launch of Charging Smart, an EV readiness program that offers free technical assistance to local governments interested in adopting EV friendly policies. We are proud to be a part of this program that will help expand electric vehicle charging in an equitable way and will accelerate EV-friendly communities across the state. Louisiana municipalities interested in joining the Charging Smart program, reach out to our team!
What is Charging Smart?
Charging Smart is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) that offers free technical assistance to local governments in selected regions, equipping them with the tools needed to facilitate and integrate the deployment of electric vehicles within their communities. Led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with the Great Plains Institute (GPI) as the lead partner, Charging Smart also collaborates with key partners including the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC), RMI, Drive Clean Colorado, Virginia Clean Cities, Long Beach Clean Cities, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Why Should You Join Charging Smart?
When you join Charging Smart, you unlock free technical assistance that helps you adopt nationally recognized best practices. The program offers structured support and a prestigious designation to empower local governments in setting ambitious electric vehicle (EV) goals while ensuring sustainability and equity. By earning a Charging Smart designation, your community will shine nationally, gaining recognition for your commitment to a greener future.
Plus, Charging Smart equips communities with the tools to streamline planning, permitting, and inspections, enabling the development of robust EV infrastructure and supporting e-mobility fleet operations.
The program is modeled on the evidence-based success of the DOE-funded SolSmart program, a national designation and technical assistance initiative that reduces barriers to solar deployment. Like SolSmart, Charging Smart focuses on eliminating obstacles to electric vehicle adoption while promoting economic development and sustainability. This approach facilitates the growth of EV charging infrastructure in communities across the country, fostering a cleaner and more connected future.
Are You Eligible to Join the Charging Smart Program?
Currently, Charging Smart is offered statewide in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Virginia. It is also available regionally in North Texas, Northern Illinois, and Southern California. Local governments in these areas can join the inaugural cohort of Charging Smart communities.
Benefits of Joining Charging Smart
There is a plethora of benefits from participating in Charging Smart communities that include but are not limited to:
1.) Supporting Local Economic Development: Communities can design and achieve sustainability goals, enabling local governments to manage growth more effectively, cut red tape, and optimize limited taxpayer resources.
2.) Facilitating EV Charging Infrastructure: The program helps develop EV charging stations on public properties, providing clean transportation options for staff and reducing fuel costs for municipalities.
3.) Increasing Electric Vehicle Adoption: By boosting the number of EVs in the community, participants can enjoy various economic and health benefits, such as lower emissions, improved air quality, and reduced noise pollution.
Designation Levels
Once you join Charging Smart, each local government collaborates with technical advisors to select the designation that best fits their community's needs and goals. The designations, listed below in ascending order, are as follows:
Bronze: Designees have successfully standardized EV charging infrastructure permitting, identified potential zoning restrictions, and engaged in collaborative discussions with utility providers.
Silver: After completing the Bronze criteria, designees conduct a fleet analysis, install a functioning public charger, and modify zoning requirements to facilitate easier and more cost-effective development of EV chargers.
Gold: In addition to meeting both the Bronze and Silver criteria, designees purchase EVs for their municipal fleets, establish standard approval and review timelines for EV charger installations, adopt relevant ordinances for new construction, and update their comprehensive plans.
Join Charging Smart Today!
Are you ready to become a Charging Smart-designated community?
To join the Charging Smart community, please visit ChargingSmart.org.
Do you want to go the extra mile for your community?
Consider exploring Charging Smart’s sister programs, SolSmart and WindWise, which deal with solar and wind energy. Reach out to our team to learn more!
Helpful links:
https://energy-ready.org/chargingsmart
