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Virginia Clean Cities is excited to partner with Virginia Energy to announce and support the new EV Charging Assistance Program (EVCAP). This subaward program will work at the community level to understand and address issues surrounding the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and will inform current and future EV charging deployment.

The grants are open to EV charging vendors or for collaborations between governments and technology providers.

Projects will include installation of EV chargers to evaluate and measure the benefits to underserved communities. Leveraging additional funding is strongly encouraged but not required. Brownfields, including previously mined lands, should be given preference when considering site selection. All areas within Virginia with a focus on disadvantaged and rural communities as defined by the Justice 40 criteria will be included.

Total Funding Available: Up to $1,100,000

Proposal Amount: Subawards up to $400,000. *The Virginia Department of Energy may elect to partially award proposals at its discretion.

Proposals for the initial round of funding will be accepted until February 16, 2024.

General reporting requirements

The Program will maintain and report metrics on volume of equipment intake calls, communities assisted and the deployment of EV charging solutions. Awardees must report specific benefits for Justice 40 compliance as detailed in Presidential Executive Order 14008 Section 223 and subsequent guidance. Metrics may include micro-mobility, policy solutions and EV charging deployment. Additional data will include attendance at public events and outreach contact metrics related to the program.

Each project proposal should include plans for documentation of invoiced work as well as quarterly progress reports summarizing work completed

Additional requirements:

• An analysis of grid capacity is required for each installation. This analysis must be provided to Virginia Energy prior to initiation of on-site work.
• Each install will be a reportable case study and metric detailed in internal reports, an annual report and onto federal websites. Public charging will be detailed on the app “Plugshare,” which will include site photos.
• Reporting will use Census poverty data, the Electric Vehicle Charging Justice40 Map and the EPA EJ40 screening tool to identify and prioritize EVSE siting in high-poverty and EJ40 community.
• Installation reports shall include cost share details, information on addition leveraged funding and a summary of potential economic benefits.
• Details on long term maintenance and operation plans must be included.
• Awardees will be required to meet all terms of conditions of funding as well as provide documentation of compliance with Build America Buy American Act (BABA) and Davis Bacon Prevailing Wage requirements when requested.

Justice 40 requirements:

• For certain federal projects like this program, 40% or more of the benefits are intended to benefit disadvantage communities as laid out in federal executive order.
• The project advances federal goals of installing 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030 and the Justice40 Initiative which seeks to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of federal investment in clean energy flow to disadvantaged communities.
• The project team (including all sub awardees) will use existing partnerships with Justice 40, environmental justice and brownfields communities to advance these priorities.

Justice 40 evaluation and Analysis tools:

Explore the map – Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool (geoplatform.gov)

Energy Justice Dashboard (anl.gov)

Virginia EJ Screen

Build America Buy American Act, Davis Bacon Prevailing Wage, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Historic Preservation considerations:

• The funding is subject to BABA rules and this program will consider only BABA-compliant Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) as outlined by Executive Order 14005 or seek allowable exclusions as appropriate.
• Davis Bacon prevailing wage rules apply to this federal funding subgrant opportunity.
• NEPA is primarily a geolocation requirement associated with community benefits applicable due to EVSE at previously disturbed areas such as parking lots are categorically excluded according to current guidance.
• The Advisory Council on History Preservation (ACHP) published Exemptions from Historic Preservation Review for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment on November 2, 2022, that apply to this opportunity

Budget:

This program includes a total investment of up to $1,100,000 over a five-year performance period. This project allows the purchase and reimbursement for chargers, at competitive and lean rates, based on peer review of other programs. The program would only partially fund these installations and would report cost share details and full installation and operation details.

Project proposals require a minimum cost share of 20 percent. Cost share beyond 20 percent will be viewed favorably.

Applications:

For more information about the program and how to apply, click here: EVCAP Application

All subaward applicants must use the application format provided. Applications may include additional attachments. Attachments should be limited to essential information.

Eligible applicants and activities:

Eligible applicants for charger installation work can include private businesses or government-industry partnerships. Activities include the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargers.

The following post is courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nov. 9, 2023 press release. Some edits have been made for brevity.

EV sales are growing year over year and 2023 continues that trend. In the last few years, electric vehicles have taken off in the consumer market; however, there has been some recent public discourse about sales, with claims that the industry is declining. Before these misconceptions sow more seeds of doubt, let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: EV sales are experiencing a decline in absolute numbers.

Reality: Electric vehicle sales have been growing year over year, with more and more automakers entering the market and consumers showing increasing interest in sustainable mobility. While EV sales may experience fluctuations in certain regions or specific time frames, data from Atlas EV Hub shows the overall trend is continued growth.

Myth #2: There’s a lack of charging infrastructure.

Reality: Most EV drivers meet their daily driving range requirements by charging their vehicles where they park most often—overnight at home or during the day at work. On top of that, there are over 60,000 public charging station locations with over 160,000 public charging ports currently available. Moreover, technological advancements across the industry are reducing charging times, making EVs even more appealing to potential buyers.

Myth #3: Consumer interest is waning.

Reality: Consumer interest in electric vehicles has been steadily increasing, driven by various factors such as environmental consciousness, government incentives, advancements in battery technology that improve range, and a growing charging infrastructure. According to a survey done by JD Power, of June 2023, 63% of consumers are considering an EV, compared to 57% in 2021. Major automobile manufacturers have recognized this shift and are investing heavily in electric vehicles to meet the surge in demand.

Myth #4: EVs are not affordable enough to compete with traditional combustion vehicles.

Reality: There are many EV models that have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional vehicles, especially when considering lower maintenance and fuel costs. In June of 2023, purchase prices for new electric vehicles were down almost 20% from the year prior. The decreasing cost of battery production and the availability of federal tax incentives and state and utility incentives are also making electric vehicles more affordable.

While challenges do exist, the trajectory of electric vehicles remains positive. As governments, automakers, and consumers continue to prioritize sustainability, we can expect electric vehicles to become an even more integral part of our transportation landscape.

A new report, “Your Influence Matters: Peer Influence and EV Adoption,” from our partners at Generation180 examines the neighborhood effect with EV Adoption. Our neighbors, friends, and loved ones are the ones we turn to for help, advice. This new report shows that they also play a key role in encouraging us to drive electric.

Staff from Virginia Clean Cities contributed to the report prior to its public release.

This year, from September 22 – October 1, 2023, celebrate the 10th year of National Drive Electric Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here are a few events that may catch your eye:

EV Charger Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, September 27, – 4:00 – 5:00 pm 

9383 N Congress St, New Market, VA 22844

An event to kick off the week is the EV Charger Ribbon Cutting at Jon Henry Country Store. Please join Virginia Clean Cities for a public ribbon-cutting celebration at Shenandoah Valley’s premier electric vehicle charging facility. Throughout the duration of this celebration, there will be opportunities to embrace the progress of electric vehicle chargers and learn from electric vehicle owners, all while supporting the local country store. At this event, six Level-2 electric vehicle chargers will be unveiled. Chargers are from the Blink network and are made possible by the U.S. Department of Energy funding through the three-year Mid Atlantic Electrification Partnership.

Norfolk State University EV Showcase

Friday, September 29, – 1:00 – 3:00 pm

700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23504

This is a student-focused showcase featuring a live DJ, informational EV tables, and more. This is sponsored by EVNoire and Virginia Clean Cities and hosted by NSU Energy & Sustainability. While attending, there are opportunities to learn about the latest EVs and charging technology from EV owners and EVNoire, an award-winning organization focusing on E-Mobility Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Additionally, you can add to the event by registering your own EV to be shown!

Electricarpalooza 2023

Saturday, September 30, – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA, 23231

Come to Dorey Park Farmers Market in Henrico, VA, to expand your knowledge of electric vehicles on the market. Here, you can find out the extensive benefits of an EV, ranging from the money saved to the benefits for our environment. While attending, some of the latest EVs on the market, including the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, will be viewable to the public, and out of the vehicles registered, over 720,965 electric miles have been driven! To accompany the event, there are additional activities, such as EV bingo. As a bonus, EV owners who sign to display their vehicles will receive a 25% discount of detailing or ceramic coating of their vehicles from Birghtmod Mobile Detailing!

To register to attend, please visit: https://driveelectricweek.org/event-attend?eventid=3926 

Virginia Beach National Drive Electric Week

Saturday, September 30, – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

4554 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462

At Pembroke Mall, located in Virginia Beach, VA, please join Virginia Beach in hosting an event to provide information about the benefits associated with driving electric. At the mall, participants will be able to view EV car displays from owners of electric vehicles, and from Dealerships within the surrounding area.

To learn more and register, please visit https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=4087

National Drive Electric Week: Cars, Dogs, Books, Murals and More!

Saturday, September 30, – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

201 Short Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980

This Saturday, take a trip to Waynesboro, VA, to celebrate National Drive Electric Week! Here, there are opportunities to converse with EV owners, see vehicles on display, and learn more about EV technology itself. There are a wide range of vehicles to see, and many attractions within the area to enjoy.

To register, please visit: https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=4028 

Electric Vehicle Festival 2023

Saturday, October 7, – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

6501 Dominion Raceway, Woodford, VA, 22580

On October 7, the 2023 Electric Vehicle Festival is being held. It is returning to Dominion Raceway in Thornburg, VA for its 3rd year. At the Raceway, there will be ample opportunities to showcase excitement and gain insight from the festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience and compare the latest EVs and get rides with EV owners around the racetrack, speak with vendors, and learn about the latest sustainable energy solutions. For EV owners, we have a special experience in store. You can enter your EV in our car show which is judged by members of the public!

To learn about more events and register (and get 10% off while helping VCC), visit www.eventbrite.com/e/582232000587/?discount=VCC10 

Over the course of the DRIVE Electric USA project, Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) has had great success engaging with Virginia’s automobile dealers.The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) has also been a key ally in the promotion of EVs in the Commonwealth.

The DRIVE Electric Virginia website serves as a central resource for consumers interested in EVs in the Commonwealth. The website section called Virginia EV Dealerships includes an interactive map listing dealers who have certified that they have at least two EVs on their lots and who are committed to selling these vehicles. VCC staff personally called and spoke with dealership management to obtain commitments.

One family-owned dealership chain, Carter Meyers Auto Group or CMA Auto, has been at the forefront of EV promotion and adoption. All of their dealerships include free EV charging stations, which are open to the public. Third-generation owner, Liza Borches, frequently speaks publicly about the benefits of EVs and was a featured speaker at the 2022 DRIVE Electric Virginia Forum, an online townhall. Liza and her husband Pete are EV drivers themselves so they speak from experience. In collaboration with DRIVE Electric Virginia partner Generation180, CMA Auto Group has held EV basics trainings for their salespeople, technicians and other dealer staff. Their local dealerships also actively purchase used EVs as a way to offer affordable options for first-time EV buyers.

In August 2023, a new EV-only used dealership opened in Richmond, Virginia. Recharged was founded by a former CarLotz executive who saw the growing marketplace for used EVs in the region. Working with the local chapter, DRIVE Electric RVA, a grand opening event was held with many attendees and VIPs. Recharged even has a consumer education philosophy on their website:

“At Recharged, we believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer. We strive to educate our consumers about EVs, helping to demystify misconceptions and highlight the benefits of electric vehicles. Our comprehensive Education Hub brings all relevant EV information in one place through detailed posts that help buyers understand everything from the specifics of EV performance and battery life, to tax credits and incentives.”

Hart Nissan in Mechanicsville, Virginia, has been a longtime supplier and supporter of Nissan EVs. They have public Level 2 charging stations and frequently participate in local EV events. Owner Phil Englander publicly champions EV adoption and encourages his employees to learn more about the technology. His dealership has been named Dealer of the Year by Dealer Rater for several years in a row. 

There are individual Chevrolet and Ford dealers who have joined our certified dealers program and who continue to stock EVs to the best of their ability. The supply chain crisis has hit their manufacturers over the past few years.

Virginia dealerships have also shown up and participated in EV chapter events. In 2022, Drive Electric Richmond, EV Resource and Drive Electric Virginia co-hosted the “Electric Vehicle Luv Fest” on the day before Valentine’s Day to showcase EVs to consumers. Held at a public park just outside the City of Richmond, the event featured information tables from the sponsors as well as from local car dealerships. Dealerships included Mercedes Benz of Richmond, Parks Chevrolet, Volvo Richmond and Richmond Ford-Lincoln. Dealer-provided cars included the Benz EQS, Corsair PHEV and XC40 Recharge.

Drive Electric Virginia has been especially successful with connecting with the Virginia Auto Dealers Association (VADA). VADA’s president, Don Hall, has been very vocal in the news media about his organization’s support for EVs and the Virginia Clean Cars Act of 2021. The act allows Virginia to sell more EVs than previously before.

VADA has been an instrumental partner in bringing EVs to its auto shows. Drive Electric Virginia and regional chapters have supplied vehicles for the Richmond and Hampton Roads auto shows for two years in a row. Interest has been high from the auto show crowds, numbering in the thousands.

In conclusion, Virginia has a strong and growing pro-EV dealer network. The passing of the Virginia Clean Cars Act has helped many dealers work with their manufacturers to bring more EVs to Virginia. Historically would-be EV purchasers in Virginia had to drive to neighboring states because they could not find many on the car lots. Now, consumer demand and dealership enthusiasm have led to even more EV adoption in Virginia.

Rainy weather couldn’t stop the enthusiasm for electric work vehicles

Co-sponsored by the County of Albemarle, University of Virginia and the City of Charlottesville, DRIVE Electric Virginia hosted a demonstration event of electric Arcimoto vehicles and other EVs on May 23, 2022. Dubbed the “The Fleet of the Future: Right Sized and Electrified Workshop & Community Demonstration,” the event featured work vehicles from the organizations, an information booth and test rides. Held at Albemarle County’s public EV charging parking lot, fleets and representatives from Virginia Tech, Monticello, City of Charlottesville and more engaged with DRIVE Electric Virginia staff and test drove several vehicles. The highlight of the demonstrations was the all-electric Arcimoto three-wheeled autocycles. The Arcimoto Flatbed and Deliverator models are specifically made for working fleets.

The University of Virginia Facilities Management department brought several vehicles to showcase: their Chrysler Pacifica minivan PHEV, an electric quad vehicle and a three-wheeled cargo bike. UVA’s Mike Duffy has been a longtime leader in emissions reduction in his fleet and on the greater campus.

Later in the afternoon at 5 p.m., the event was open to the general public. Several EV drivers and other curious members of the public stopped by to check out the vehicles and learn more from the DRIVE Electric Virginia team. A member of Albemarle County’s Board of Supervisors stopped by and even rode in some of the vehicles. The local NBC TV station covered the event live and interviewed several attendees and representatives. Despite the rainy weather, the show went on and many were educated on the benefits of the technology!

In 2021, House Bill 2282 was signed into law which directed the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to report on policy proposals to accelerate transportation electrification in the Commonwealth. After a thorough public process, conducted by a third party organization took place in 2021, the SCC posted the final report on its website.

Supporting documents for the process can be found on the SCC’s Division of Public Utilities’ Legislative Reports section.

Come join us on April 20 to experience a litany of alternative fuel and electric vehicles at our office in Harrisonburg!

The star of the show will be our three Arcimoto demonstration vehicles, but we will also be showcasing various other at fuel and electric vehicles for both fleet and personal use cases.

We will also be celebrating the Great Community Give, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, the Great Community Give is an annual event that promotes charitable giving to support nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Refreshments will be provided and we hope to see you there!

RSVP here

Drive Electric Virginia is proud to highlight these National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) events. We encourage you to register through the NDEW website today. Just enter your zip code or city to find the event closest to you.

Check out these five events taking place in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Electricarpalooza

Saturday, Sept. 25 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA

Drive Electric RVA is going big for Central Virginia’s eighth annual celebration of National Drive Electric Week! In addition to a display of electric vehicles and test drives from local dealers, we plan to offer activities throughout the day containing both online and in-person components (list subject to change):

* Children’s activities
* Panel discussions in the morning and afternoon on EV-related topics
* Expo of local EV and solar-related businesses
* Scooter and e-bike corral

In the meantime, use this page to register to display your electric vehicle: https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=2776. To volunteer to manage one of the activities, please use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D44A5AF2DA5F49-volunteer.

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Blue Ridge Bank EV Charging Station Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, Sept. 28 – 12 p.m.

11450 Robious Road in North Chesterfield, VA

Blue Ridge Bank and VCC will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate two new electric vehicle charging stations at the bank’s Robious Road branch. The outdoor socially-distanced event will feature speakers and refreshments. Interested in attending? Register online at https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=2992.

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Rocktown Energy Festival

Saturday, Oct. 2 – 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Harrisonburg Farmers Market, Harrisonburg, VA

The mission of this free event is to “Promote a Clean Energy Future for the Valley” and to inform people in the Shenandoah Valley region through a collection of energy related programming.

Festival participants will have the opportunity to attend the following sessions: informative presentations; family-friendly education activities and workshops; the Solar Home Showcase; and networking booths with renewable energy installers, green building developers, electric vehicle owners, solar home owners and other energy stakeholders.

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Electric Vehicle Fall Festival

Sunday, Oct.3 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, VA

The Electric Vehicle Fall Festival, presented by Mattaponi Winery, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and Proferred BBI Tools, is a celebration of the people at the core of the electric vehicle community. From DIYers to EV Conversion shops, to the EV owners that day in and day out push the world forward to an all electric future, we want to celebrate you all.

Taking place across 100 acres at Dominion Raceway in beautiful Thornburg Virginia, the Electric Vehicle Fall Festival is an action packed day of electrified fun with a mix of great local food, drinks, live music, a farmers market, and much, much more.

Experience the latest electric cars, motorcycles, eBikes, eScooters, and others from electric vehicle brands you know. Visit with interactive displays, chat with EV owners and EV experts, and best of all, test drive your EV on the thrilling Dominion Raceway 2 mile road course racetrack and drag strip! DC Fast charging will be available on site provided by Electrify EVSE.

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Arlington, VA Drive Electric Day

Saturday, Sept. 25th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kenmore Middle School, Arlington, VA

Arlington Drive Electric Day is an opportunity to see electric cars and speak with owners.  Learn from owner experience what it is like to own and drive an electric car. 

Fossil fuel-driven cars and trucks account for more than 50% of Greenhouse Gas emissions. We need to reduce CO2 pollution and ultimately eliminate it to secure a safer, cleaner planet for ourselves and for our children.  In Virginia, electric vehicles using the grid cause less than half the CO2 pollution of gas-powered cars. As electricity generation migrates to non-carbon energy sources, the EV’s indirect CO2 emissions will decrease significantly, eventually getting to carbon-free.  Also, it is important that electric vehicles are fun to drive!  Typically EVs cost less to power than gas cars, the maintenance costs are lower, and there is a federal tax credit for vehicles and chargers, making the total cost of ownership of many models favorable to gas engine cars.

The event is located at Kenmore Middle School in central Arlington with ample parking.  Kenmore Middle School can be reached via Metro Bus routes 25B, 4B, and 75. The event is from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm EDT on September 25th.

Address:

Kenmore Middle School 200 South Carlin Springs Rd Arlington, VA 22204

Virginia is moving into the fast lane on electric vehicles (EVs). The Commonwealth has recently approved measures to adopt new vehicle emissions standards and electric vehicle sales targets; state legislators are reportedly looking for ways to fund EV adoption incentives; and, a recent study by a leading interest group gave Virginia the highest marks of any state in the southeast on transportation electrification. Of course we will need new infrastructure to support this market movement.

There are a number of incentives to support the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in Virginia. Municipalities, property managers, and other infrastructure interests can explore them to ensure they are ready to support this growing market segment. Here is a sample list to help you get started.

• EVgo and Virginia DEQ have invested millions to expand DC Fast Charging in highway corridors in Virginia. Together the effort is deploying 80 – 100 new charger sites. Contact EVgo through their website EVgo.com to suggest a site or email Heidi Krantz heidi.krantz@evgo.com.
• Electrify America is deploying charger depots and DC Fast Chargers and is headquartered in Reston, VA. The company is expanding its charger network in Virginia and throughout the country. It also recently added Virginia to its kilowatt-hour pricing program, simplifying billing for customers. Contact Electrify America to suggest a site.
• Tesla has a program for “Destination Charging Partners” in the hospitality, retail, multi-family, and workplace categories.  This program often delivers Tesla and standard chargers that work on all vehicles.
• Dominion Virginia has launched its Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot Program (SCIP). The program will provide rebates for qualifying EV charging stations, charging infrastructure and installation, and network fees. This pilot will fund multi-family, Workplace, DCFC, and transit DCFC.

• Blink Charging plans to install 200 networked 19.2 kWh L2 Chargers in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and West Virginia as a part a three-year ecosystem program.  Each charger is capable of providing 19.2 kwh or about 65 miles of charge per hour. The chargers accommodate all EVs.  Learn more at www.blinkcharging.com and contact Andrew Hillman Ashillman@BlinkCharging.com Or Cell: (805) 825-9415 for more information.
• Greenspot is installing 24 e-Mobility hubs consisting of 6 L2 chargers in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and West Virginia as a part a three-year ecosystem program. Greenspot will install an initial set of 24 e-Mobility hubs which includes 72 dual chargers and a total of 144 EV ports. Visit www.joingreenspot.com or contact yaron@joingreenspot.com or meet at calendly.com/greenspot-yaron
• For all laws and incentives in Virginia visit this page on our website (updated daily)
• Procurement Contracts Exist. For Virginia municipalities and other government entities, check here or Virginia Clean Cities can help to determine if your EVSE procurement could be included in existing state or rideable contracts.

Virginia Clean Cities helps stakeholders to take advantage of these and other incentives. Interested parties are encouraged to fill out this form with interest about charging and we will get back to you. We also work with individual EV drivers to help ensure they have the resources they need. Please reach out to us if we can help you in any way!