Summary
- Electric vehicles are becoming more practical and affordable options for many people with point-of-sale tax credits and reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
- Transitioning to electric vehicles can help reduce climate impacts associated with transportation, especially in Missoula where a large portion of pollution comes from single occupancy vehicle travel.
- The City of Missoula is working on creating an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan to ensure EV adoption happens in a more equitable and intentional way.
- Community input is needed for the plan to reflect Missoula’s unique needs, and feedback can be provided online through Engage Missoula project page or at in-person events.
- Most electric vehicle charging happens at home, and the goal of the plan is to ensure charging can happen in places that meet everyone’s needs, like neighborhoods, workplaces, and popular destinations.
Article
The growing popularity of electric vehicles is creating a shift in the transportation industry, with many people considering them as a practical and affordable option. Cost incentives, such as tax credits and reduced fuel and maintenance costs, make electric vehicles accessible to a wider range of budgets. In addition to financial benefits, electric vehicles also offer a way to reduce climate impacts associated with transportation, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in many communities. Despite concerns about the source of electricity used to power electric vehicles, emissions associated with them are significantly lower than those from gasoline-powered vehicles, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
As electric vehicles become more common in Missoula and the surrounding areas, the City of Missoula is taking proactive steps to ensure that the adoption of electric vehicles can happen in a more equitable and intentional manner. The city is in the process of creating an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which will define its role and outline next steps when it comes to EV charging. By engaging with the community and understanding their concerns and visions related to EV infrastructure, the city aims to create a plan that meets the unique needs of Missoula residents. The plan is expected to be released in spring 2025 and will contribute to the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions in the city.
Currently, most of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Missoula is from private investments, with companies installing facilities based on their own business plans and projections of demand. While this is a positive step towards developing a convenient charging network, there is a need to ensure that charging infrastructure is accessible to everyone, including those living in multi-family dwellings or without off-street parking options. The City’s EV infrastructure plan aims to address these issues and ensure that charging can happen in neighborhoods, workplaces, and popular destinations to meet the needs of all residents.
Community input is essential in creating a comprehensive and effective Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan for Missoula. The city is actively seeking feedback from residents through various engagement opportunities, including online platforms and in-person events. By providing input on preferred infrastructure sites, posing questions about electric vehicles, and sharing ideas, residents can help shape the future of EV infrastructure in the city. In-person events, such as the EV Ride & Drive and EV Listening and Visioning Session, provide opportunities for residents to learn more about electric vehicles, ask questions, and provide feedback on the planning process.
By engaging with the community and gathering feedback, the City of Missoula aims to create a plan that reflects the unique needs and concerns of its residents. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the city but also promote equitable access to charging infrastructure for all residents. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Missoula is committed to supporting the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. Residents are encouraged to participate in the planning process and provide their input to help shape the future of electric vehicle infrastructure in the city.
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