The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has unveiled a comprehensive resource, "Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Urban Electric Mobility Infrastructure," to assist communities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transportation providers, businesses, property owners, and developers in harnessing federal funding for EV charging stations and electric transportation projects. This free guide is a collaborative effort between the USDOT, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

 
The new urban-focused toolkit aims to support larger communities in taking full advantage of federal funding opportunities. It serves as a roadmap for scoping, planning, and leveraging funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), providing vital information on how to accelerate the electrification of transportation systems.

The USDOT emphasized the importance of an accessible and affordable public charging network, particularly for the 71 percent of Americans living in communities with populations exceeding 50,000. While many EV owners have charging options at home or work, individuals residing in densely populated areas, such as apartments or condos, face challenges in accessing private chargers. Public charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating their transition to electric transportation.

The toolkit not only focuses on EV charging stations but also offers guidance for implementing other forms of electric transportation, including public transit, electric bikes and scooters, and ride-share services. By promoting convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable electric mobility solutions, USDOT aims to facilitate the transition to a greener transportation system.

In support of this initiative, USDOT has already approved nationwide plans for EV charger networks, with $5 billion allocated through the IIJA's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Additionally, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program, offering $2.5 billion in total funding, has opened its application process this spring, allowing communities to further expand their EV charging infrastructure.

https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/usdot-doe-issue-free-ev-tool-kit-resource/