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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

State and Local Planning for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

State and local governments are key to the successful buildout of a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure network. Recognizing that state and local government entities operate within their own unique structures and contexts, this content does not attempt to provide a one-size-fits-all deployment strategy. Rather, it provides key considerations for developing robust strategies that support state and local planning efforts for EV charging station development. State and local governments can use these resources to assess their unique objectives and identify the best approach for their jurisdiction. Communities, planning organizations, local and state governments, tribal nations, and other decision makers can also use the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation's Public EV Charging Infrastructure Playbook, which includes guiding questions, videos, worksheets, and additional resources to navigate key considerations for planning and deploying EV infrastructure.

To ensure no individual or organization is overburdened by requirements intended to facilitate the deployment of EV charging stations, government agencies should engage with stakeholders throughout the process. It is also important to consider charging infrastructure needs for different modes of electrified transportation, from light duty and heavy-duty vehicles to micromobility options such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

What Opportunities Can EV Friendly Planning Create?

  • Advance climate change goals and improve air quality. EVs, which include all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, typically produce lower tailpipe emissions than conventional vehicles and produce zero tailpipe emissions when running only on electricity.
  • Expand equitable access to EV charging station infrastructure for all community members. When building out EV charging infrastructure, a key consideration is where chargers are located and whether the distribution is equitable. For example, people living in multifamily housing might not be able to charge at home and therefore need access to public charging stations (such as off-street curbside EV charging stations), workplace charging stations, or a combination.
  • Promote local economic business development by locating EV charging stations near amenities such as retail and food services.

Why Are EV Friendly Regulations Important?

Adopting EV-friendly regulations can streamline the approval process for EV charging infrastructure projects, as well as increase clarity and transparency for applicants. Through EV-friendly regulations, government agencies have the potential to:

  • Support economic and community development
  • Promote EV adoption by streamlining and accelerating EV charging infrastructure deployment
  • Provide regional consistency, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural areas
  • Establish accessibility and safety design standards for EV charging stations, including the equipment and parking spaces
  • Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in clean transportation deployment