The U.S. Department of Transportation, with the Department of Energy and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, released a new toolkit to empower communities to leverage federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and promote clean transportation.
The "Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Urban Electric Mobility Infrastructure" equips communities, metropolitan planning organizations, transportation providers, businesses, property owners and developers with the necessary tools to effectively plan, scope and maximize the utilization of billions of dollars in funding provided under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a July 12 news release.
"This toolkit will help all communities, big and small, bring EV charging to their residents, which will lower costs for drivers, create jobs and reduce pollution," Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in the news release.
The Charging Forward toolkit is poised to revolutionize the expansion of EV infrastructure by offering comprehensive guidance and support to communities of all sizes, the news release said. By facilitating the implementation of EV charging stations, the toolkit aims to lower costs for drivers, generate employment opportunities and contribute to a significant reduction in pollution levels across the nation.
“Sustainable transportation solutions are headed to every community in the nation – rural, urban and everywhere in between – thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in the release. “This one-stop resource outlines access to technology in urban areas and funding to drive the future of an electrified, convenient and reliable transportation system across America.”
The toolkit's provisions extend beyond EV charging infrastructure, offering guidance on the implementation of various electric transportation modes, including public transit, electric bikes and scooters and ride-share services, according to the news release. This holistic approach ensures urban areas can adopt comprehensive strategies for a convenient and reliable electric mobility system.
