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Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Author

Listed:
  • Russo, Suzanne

    (Resources for the Future)

  • Spiller, Beia

    (Resources for the Future)

  • Wilwerding, Rachel

Abstract

Major investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging station networks will be required to support widespread adoption of EVs. Increasing EV adoption can help improve air quality and, in turn, health outcomes, particularly for communities overburdened by transportation pollution. The creation of a widespread public EV charging station network presents new economic and business opportunities. Thus, an opportunity exists for society to leverage expenditures associated with the electric transition, particularly federal infrastructure investments through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), to improve equity outcomes for communities and households that have been overburdened by transportation pollution due to compounding inequities and structural racism across society. We provide a framework (developed through a literature review and interviews with community-based and non-governmental organizations, EV charging station companies, utilities, and leading researchers) for understanding how charging station investments in urban areas could help reduce existing inequities or may inadvertently exacerbate inequities if a careful approach is not taken.

Suggested Citation

  • Russo, Suzanne & Spiller, Beia & Wilwerding, Rachel, 2024. "Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure," RFF Working Paper Series 24-14, Resources for the Future.
    • Handle: RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-24-14
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    File URL: https://www.rff.org/documents/4589/WP_24-14.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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