INDIANAPOLIS — Electric vehicles are the fastest growing car segment, but they require access to charging stations to work. Most of those stations are in wealthy communities, according to a Harvard Business study.
Now the city of Indianapolis is getting $15 million in grants to put charging stations in minority and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The money comes through the Inflation Reduction Act, which included a $7,500 tax break for buying a new EV.
According to the city's sustainability and resilience plan, about 1/3 of Indy's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. The city aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, which means reducing car emissions is key.
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Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) joined Mayor Joe Hogsett to unveil the grant program. Carson has accused INDOT of leaving gaps in its electric vehicle infrastructure in "urban and underserved" communities like Indianapolis.
The funding through the grants will increase the number of publicly accessible DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging stations in Indianapolis.
- DC Fast Chargers let you fill a car's battery to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. They work like gas stations for EVs, according to Chevy.
- Level 2 Chargers are a little slower, but can charge a vehicle in as little as 4 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Placement of the charging stations will be made locally. The city promises the community will have input in the planning process and site feasibility study. Some options include the parking lots at public libraries and parks.
Some of the grant money will also go to workforce development to help increase and train more licensed-Electric Charging Station installers. The city will partner with IBEW to create and retain those jobs.