The impetus to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the U.S. has been provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which recently approved relevant plans from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The agency also opened the application process for the first $700 million of the total $2.5 billion in funding to build EV charging infrastructure in communities and neighborhoods through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.

The development of an affordable and accessible public charging network will help make electric forms of transportation more convenient for the 71% of those who live in communities with a population over 50,000. While many EV owners can charge their vehicles at home or work, residents in higher density areas may not have easy access to a garage or the space for a private charger, which means they are more reliant on public charging options.

A new technical resource is now freely available to help these larger communities take full advantage of federal funding for EV charging stations and other forms of electric transportation. The Toolkit for Planning and Funding Urban Electric Mobility Infrastructure provides a comprehensive resource for communities, metropolitan planning organizations, transportation providers, businesses, and property owners and developers by including information on how to scope, plan and identify ways to best leverage funding resources. The toolkit also includes guidance to help urban areas implement other forms of electric transportation, such as public transit, electric bikes and scooters, and ride-share services.

A recently updated Rural EV toolkit is also available from DOT. While the toolkit includes some resources for individuals interested in charging their personal EVs at home, the majority of information in this platform is most relevant to rural entities seeking to install charging stations for broader public or private use.