Summary
- Joint Office of Energy and Transportation invests $43.7 million in projects to expand electric mobility options and infrastructure
- Projects aim to address challenges such as lack of at-home charging options and limited access to public charging for multifamily housing residents
- The goal is to create a more holistic energy and transportation ecosystem and fill critical gaps in transportation infrastructure
- Selected projects will focus on expanding e-mobility options, connecting utilities with transportation needs, and enabling improvements in supply chains with electric fleet mobility
- The national network of reliable public charging infrastructure is supported by grants from the DOT and EPA, promoting the growth of electric transportation.
Article
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has invested $43.7 million to expand electric mobility options and infrastructure. This funding is aimed at creating a more flexible, affordable, and efficient energy system while providing Americans with more choices in how they travel. The projects selected for funding will address challenges related to charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where curb space and energy constraints can be limiting factors. The goal is to advance a holistic energy and transportation ecosystem that meets the current and future demands of users.
The selected projects span 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and will focus on various aspects of electrified transportation infrastructure, including charging at home for residents without private chargers, scaling existing energy and transportation infrastructure, expanding e-mobility options, connecting utilities with transportation needs, electrifying fleet vehicles, and increasing access to affordable charging for multifamily housing residents. These projects aim to support a national network of reliable and accessible public charging infrastructure, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
One of the key challenges addressed by the funded projects is providing charging solutions for residents in multifamily housing complexes who may not have access to at-home charging. By developing innovative models that leverage existing infrastructure, utilities can expand access to reliable, affordable, and grid-friendly charging options for these residents. Additionally, projects focusing on e-mobility options for micromobility vehicles and electric fleet vehicles aim to provide convenient charging solutions and contribute to the electrification of transportation in various sectors.
The funding opportunities for these projects were issued in April 2024, and the selected projects will undergo a negotiation process before the funding is finalized. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission, convenient, and affordable transportation infrastructure through collaboration between DOE and DOT. The funding allocated to these projects is part of a broader effort to support the growth of electric transportation nationwide and address the challenges associated with charging infrastructure in urban areas.
Overall, the $43.7 million investment from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will support the development of innovative solutions for expanding electric mobility options and infrastructure in the United States. By addressing key challenges related to charging infrastructure, accessibility, and affordability, these projects aim to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and create a more sustainable and efficient transportation system for Americans. The funding will contribute to the growth of a national network of public charging infrastructure that is reliable, convenient, and accessible, paving the way for a future of cleaner and greener transportation.
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