EV charging sites can play a significant role in helping public landowners, such as cities, counties and states, reach their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. EV charging networks are slowly branching out throughout the US as the increase in popularity of electric vehicles (EV) grows.
The establishment of effective EV charging infrastructure is crucial in helping public landowners achieve their ESG goals. By actively supporting the transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, public landowners can lead by example by significantly reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to mitigating climate change.
Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in EV charging infrastructure, cities, counties and states can encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner and greener transportation system.
New Federal Funding for EV Future
On January 11th, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration made an exciting announcement, revealing $623 million in grants dedicated to the development of an extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging network throughout the United States. This substantial investment will support 47 projects focused on EV charging infrastructure and alternative-fueling solutions in 22 states and Puerto Rico.
Notably, these projects will include the construction of approximately 7,500 EV charging ports, effectively advancing President Biden's target of establishing a national network comprising 500,000 EV chargers. This initiative will greatly contribute to the expansion and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure across the country, promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation and bolstering efforts towards a greener future.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Data
Knowing where you can leverage potential EV charging stations on public land is important! LandGate provides public landowners with EV charging data to help discover suitable high-value parcels for potential EV charging site development:
By seamlessly integrating datasets comprising planned and operational electric charging stations, major roadways, disadvantaged communities, and designated alternative fuel corridors, LandGate has simplified EV charging site evaluation to just a few clicks. This data opens up new vistas into the nationwide transition to electric mobility, benefiting renewable energy developers, advisory firms, real estate investors, and landowners. LandGate’s robust datasets of substation locations, hosting capacity for transmission lines and real-time energy pricing feeds provides public landowners the ability to evaluate the initial suitability for potential EV charging sites. With the addition of LandGate’s EV Charging data, public landowners can further evaluate potential EV charging sites based on distances from highway exits and major roadways, federally-defined EV charging corridors and proximity to other existing or planned EV charging stations.
Potential Locations for EV Charging Sites
For public landowners looking for ways to improve federal funding, education institutions are great locations for EV charging port sites. Colleges, universities, and schools can benefit from EV charging stations by serving students, staff, and visitors who drive electric vehicles. It aligns with sustainability initiatives and encourages the adoption of clean transportation within the campus community.
College students are among many of the new EV driver population and would benefit from parking spaces that have charging ports available.
Recreational and leisure facilities are another popular location for EV charging ports. EV charging stations at recreational areas, sports facilities, parks, and tourist attractions can attract EV owners who visit these locations. It supports sustainable transportation options for visitors and promotes environmental stewardship.
Highway rest stops can attract both emissions vehicles and EV charging vehicles. The installation of electric vehicle charging points at rest stops along highways is advantageous for individuals traveling long distances who require recharging opportunities along their trips. These spots can support EV owners in their intercity or interstate travels by offering dependable charging facilities.
Contributing to ESG Goals
Engaging in public-private partnerships, leveraging incentives and grants, and developing comprehensive EV charging strategies can help cities accelerate their progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future. To leverage the full potential of EV charging for ESG goals, cities can collaborate with government agencies, utility providers, private companies, and community organizations:
Environmental Impact: Electric vehicles produce lower or zero tailpipe emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting and expanding EV charging infrastructure, government agencies can encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, leading to improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and a decrease in overall environmental impact.
Sustainable Transportation: Supporting the growth of EV charging infrastructure encourages the transition to sustainable transportation. As more residents and businesses adopt electric vehicles, cities can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, promote renewable energy integration, and work towards achieving a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
Energy Efficiency and Grid Management: EV charging can be integrated with smart grid technologies and demand response programs. Charging infrastructure can optimize charging schedules, taking advantage of off-peak hours or renewable energy generation.
This helps balance energy demand, reduces strain on the electrical grid, and enhances overall energy efficiency.
Public Health and Well-being: EV charging infrastructure contributes to public health by reducing air pollution, which can have harmful effects on respiratory health and overall well-being. Cleaner air quality resulting from increased EV adoption and reduced emissions benefits the health of city residents and creates a more livable and sustainable urban environment.
Economic Development and Job Creation: The expansion of EV charging infrastructure creates opportunities for economic development and job creation. It stimulates investment in charging equipment manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operation. Local businesses can benefit from increased foot traffic and consumer spending at charging locations, supporting the local economy.
Social Equity and Accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to EV charging infrastructure helps address social equity concerns. By strategically locating charging stations in residential areas, low-income communities, and underserved neighborhoods, cities can promote accessibility to electric vehicle charging for all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
This helps bridge the transportation gap and enables more equitable access to clean mobility options.
Promoting Innovation and Technology: Embracing EV charging infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to technological innovation and the adoption of clean energy solutions. By positioning themselves as agencies at the forefront of sustainable transportation, governments can attract investments, research and development, and collaborations with technology companies and innovators, further driving progress towards their ESG goals.
Government property owners can also monetize EV charging stations by leasing or selling their properties for this purpose. Moreover, a well-developed EV charging network also contributes to the social aspect of ESG goals. Electric vehicles are quieter and produce less noise pollution compared to traditional vehicles, leading to improved quality of life for residents. The availability of convenient and accessible charging stations encourages more people to adopt electric vehicles, which can lead to reduced traffic congestion and improved traffic flow. This can have a positive impact on the overall livability and sustainability of cities. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, so does the need for a comprehensive and reliable EV charging infrastructure. The gradual expansion of EV charging networks throughout the United States reflects the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the recognition of the importance of supporting infrastructure. By investing in and promoting the development of EV charging infrastructure, government agencies can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance quality of life, and align with their ESG goals. Government property owners interested in leveraging their properties for EV charging or any other renewable resource can leverage LandGate to analyze their property's suitability for these resources and connect with a network of high-intent energy developers:
LandGate has developed EV charging indexes for every parcel in the US, in addition to the estimated potential for solar, wind, carbon, and mineral development. Private and public property owners that are interested in leasing or selling their land for an EV Charging station or any other resource can get a free property report that provides lease and sale estimates along with an EV Site Score that ranges from 0-100. The higher this number, the better the property could potentially work for an EV Charging site. Learn if your land qualifies for an EV Charging site today:
