Install, assist with, and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles.

Install, assist with, and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles.

Best Practice of this action

Local Air Quality

Rating Guideline

Work with others to place 1 or more public electric vehicle charging stations at a high use area, or
Promote the existence of all fueling options such as compressed natural gas in/around the city.
Report city fleet EV infrastructure and vehicles under BPA 13.3.

Install 1 or more city/Tribal-owned/operated EV charging station, or
Work with others to install a public Level 3 DC fast charging station, or
Power at least 1 station with purchased renewable electricity.

Report the installation of 2+ publically-owned/operated EV charging station locations, or
Connect at least 1 station to on-site renewable generation such as PV panels, or
Require EV charging infrastructure in multi-unit dwellings; or
Install or require developments to provide on-street EV charging infrastructure - especially near multi-family housing, commercial corridors, and low-income neighborhoods.

Resources

Planning:

See Drive Electric Minnesota for resources on EVs.
For EVs and all fuels/vehicles see Alternative Fuel Vehicle Readiness: A Guidebook for Municipalities (NJTPA: 2017).
See Shift to Electric’s webpage for a current list of EVs available for purchase in the U.S.
Take a look at EValuateMN - Atlas Public Policy to review statewide EV registrations and EV charging stations by county.
For an in-depth guide on EV needs around Minnesota, review MnDOT’s EV Infrastructure Needs Assessment which details where EV chargers are needed most.
See also elements of making your city an EV-ready city and which MN communities have EV charging infrastructure in the EV City Resource Database.
Charging Forward: A toolkit for planning and funding urban electric mobility infrastructure (U.S. DOT, 2023) and Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure (2022) serve as one-stop resources to help urban and rural communities scope, plan, and identify ways to fund EV charging infrastructure, supporting diverse forms of electric mobility including transit.
Climate Strategies that Work (U.S. DOT, 2024) provides actionable information for 27 transportation-related emission reduction strategies (including Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure) through well-vetted guides detailing benefits, implementation steps, and resources.
Siting Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with Equity in Mind (ACEEE, 2021)
Use the MPCA Air Pollution Score on the Environmental Justice Areas of Concern Map (MPCA) to locate areas for targeted assistance and incentives.
EVs drive everywhere fuel cars drive. Encourage adding EV chargers everywhere cars drive including gas stations and other commonly frequented locations.
Level 2 EV chargers at businesses can be beneficial as well as good promotion for the business and EV use. Encourage placing level 2 EV chargers everywhere from grocery stores to malls and everywhere in between.
Charging Smart is a program offering free technical assistance to help local governments adopt policies, practices, and incentives for efficient EV charger expansion.
City of Morris provides an example EV Installation Permitting Checklist to help charging stations be installed with minimal effort.

Funding:

Refueling infrastructure financial assistance for retailers of E85 and other ethanol blends in your city is available through the American Lung Association and is matched with contributions from the MN Corn Growers Association.
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Pay for your Projects Tool can help you find funding for EV projects.

Promotion: