The Department of Environmental Quality has announced that $6.8 million will be distributed to strengthen and expand North Carolina’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Network. This funding will be awarding projects across 64 sites in the state of North Carolina. Grants and rebates, awarded by the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Air Quality (DAQ), fall under Phase 2 of the N.C. Volkswagen Settlement Program.

Among the awards, nearly $5.9 million will fund 104 new DC Fast charging ports across 40 sites. 33 of which will be covered 100% by renewable energy credits. Sites will be along priority corridors and major coastal evacuation routes from Murphy to Manteo. These projects will fill gaps in the charging network along these corridors. DC Fast chargers are suitable along major highways because they offer rapid charging and a quick pitstop while enroute to a destination.

In this program, 75% of funds will go to projects in rural counties, and nearly half will go to historically under-resourced counties. DAQ will also be awarding $764,000 in grants to public and private organizations to make upgrades to 13 existing DC Fast sites. These projects are vital to strengthen the charging network in North Carolina and stay up to date on latest technologies and advancements. 

$196,000 in new rebates will fund the installation of Level 2 chargers at workplaces, apartment complexes, parks, urban centers and other public locations. This will fund the installation of 62 new charging ports at 11 sites across the state. Level 2 Public Access funds are still available to local government agencies, nonprofits and private businesses on a first-come, first-served basis.

As we see the hard work that goes into building out the North Carolina Electric Vehicle Infrastructure network, we can see a few things are true. Not one charger fits all needs, and technology changes fast! Variety in charging infrastructure is necessary, and when 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, we need to build a network large enough to support EV owners that may not be able to charge at home. Be sure to check out the links to see where new and upgraded chargers will be located throughout NC. 

On October 25, 2022, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 271 directing swift action to accelerate the state’s transition to a clean energy economy that creates good jobs and opportunities for all North Carolinians while protecting public health and the environment. 

Executive Order 271 directs the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to work with stakeholders to propose to the Environmental Management Commission an Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program that would ensure zero-emission trucks and buses are available for purchase in the state. ACT would require manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of ZEVs over time while providing flexibility, through credits, trading and other features, as segments of the market grow at different speeds. Sales targets would also drive investment in other zero-emission technologies including charging and fueling infrastructure. The Executive Order outlines a comprehensive strategy for the state to support automakers, fleet owners, and other partners to grow the MHD (Medium- and Heavy-Duty) ZEV market through incentives, and workforce development. 

The Executive Order builds on Gov. Cooper’s previous actions to grow the clean energy economy and a clean transportation future. Read the press release to learn more here and the executive order here.

From the N.C. Volkswagen Settlement Program, $30.1 million will be distributed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to fund 161 new school buses across the state, with the majority of the funding going toward new all-electric school buses. Some of the dirtiest diesel buses in the state, over 30 years old emitting more than 20 times the nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter of today’s clean buses, will be replaced by low- or zero-emission school buses. 

More than $16.5 million will fund 43 electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure, providing a 100% reduction in diesel emissions and greenhouse gases for these projects. Grant recipients span across 84 counties and include public schools, charter schools, and a tribal school. 130 of the buses will be placed in rural counties, 80 of which were awarded to schools in the 37 historically under-resourced counties that DEQ targeted for additional outreach and support during the application process.

Learn more about other funding programs and the full list of awarded projects on the DEQ website. 

EV infrastructure deployment plans have, as required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, been submitted by all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico by the August 1, 2022, deadline. The plans, established and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are required in order to unlock the first round of the $5 billion in infrastructure deployment investments. Available over 5 years, NEVI will help accelerate the important work of building out the national EV charging network and making electric vehicle charging accessible to all Americans. The Joint Office and FHWA (Federal Highways Administration) will review the plans and continue to work with states, with the goal of approving plans by September 30th. The on-time submission by all participants demonstrates the widespread commitment to build out EV charging infrastructure to help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, create jobs, and reduce our contributions to climate change. With each approved plan, state departments of transportation receive the “green light” to deploy EV charging infrastructure focused initially along designated alternative fuel corridors.  

Of the $68 million available to North Carolina in Phase 2 of the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program, $225,000 in rebates has been announced. This funding is the first to be awarded. Additional rebates are still available to qualifying applicants.

Rebates announced will help fund 59 new Level 2 charging ports at 23 sites across the state. The DEQ is awarding Level 2 Public Access rebates to qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the full $1,070,877 is allocated for this program. Local government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses are all eligible to apply. 

Currently, funds are still available and applications are still open. View the webpage here for more information.

Registration is now open for the 6th annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo, August 30- September 1 in Durham, NC! Discover the latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technology, operations, and implementation along with other leading fleets and technology providers. Share industry ideas, trends, strategies and technologies that will improve efficiency and sustainability of fleet operations.

Early Bird Special!

Register by July 29th to save on your registration with early bird pricing!

Clean Cities Stakeholder Special

Clean Cities Stakeholders (from any coalition) are eligible for the Clean Cities Stakeholder rate, which gives a $50 discount off of regular price.

Governor Cooper and Mayor Lyles visited the unveiling of the new first of its kind in North Carolina PoleVolt charging station outside of the Ritz at Washington Heights Park. The curbside EV charging station uses existing streetlight infastructure to cut down the costs of installing an EV charging station by as much at 50 percent. 

The Ritz at Washington Heights Park is located in the Historic West End. In 2018, several community leaders formed the Historic West End Green District. This initiative was designed to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and improve health. Making this location perfect for the free-to-use charing station. 

The project has been brought to fruition by the partnership of Duke Energy, The City of Charlotte, Centralina Regional Council, and the UNC Charlotte EPIC center. 

It is essential to support EV infrastructure to be ready when electric vehicles will become more affordable and accessible. Installing an EV charging station outside of the Ritz at Washington Heights Park gives locals access to charging that lack off-street parking availability for at home charging. 

The nomination period for the Centralina Region of Excellence Awards is here! The awards are opportunities to recognize and celebrate how local governments and partners expand opportunity and improve quality of life across our region. As partner organizations in the Centralina region, we encourage you to submit nominations for project, programs, or plans that were initiated or completed during the past calendar year.