This project will leverage federal funds with private sector investments to expand the number of EV charging stations at everyday destinations throughout the region. A successful federal funding application was developed on behalf of ARC’s 19 counties and 100+ incorporated municipalities to support the region’s collective efforts to prepare for a future where electric vehicles eventually replace most internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles on the road today. ARC recognizes that this grant will not address every need presented by the clean energy vehicle market. Over the next several years, an “all of the above” approach will be required to make clean fuel infrastructure as ubiquitous as gas stations are today. The electric vehicle market will reach its full potential only when consumers feel comfortable that charging up their battery is as simple as filling the gas tank of an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and/or offers a significant cost savings. Several local, county and state government agencies are using their own resources and/or pursuing other grants to provide additional EV charging infrastructure around the region that this grant won’t be able to address.
