Federal Support for EV Charging Policies for Rapid, Equitable Investments

The document identifies significant gaps in US EV charging infrastructure and proposes federal interventions—including research, financial incentives, and building code mandates—to support the goal of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, emphasizing the need to address racial and economic inequities in access.

• To achieve deep decarbonization by mid-century, the US must transition to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. This transition could result in approximately 100 million EVs on US roads, requiring between 170,000 and 330,000 public DC fast-charging ports and 3.7 million to 6.17 million nonresidential Level 2 ports.
• Home charging is the primary infrastructure for most EV drivers, but renters and residents of multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) face significant barriers due to split incentives, where property managers bear the cost of installation while drivers receive the benefit.
• Upfront costs vary significantly by charger type: residential Level 2 chargers cost between $400 and $700, commercial models range from $2,500 to $4,900, and DC fast chargers can cost between $20,000 and $150,000. These costs are further increased by 'make-ready' infrastructure such as wiring and panel upgrades.
• Racial and economic inequities impact charging access, as Black households are more likely to rent or live in MUDs of three or more units compared to White households. The document warns that simply placing chargers in low-income areas does not guarantee access for residents, as highway-adjacent fast chargers often serve passing drivers instead.
• The document recommends a portfolio of federal policies to accelerate deployment, including extending the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, establishing a national green bank, and promoting 'EV-ready' building codes that require a percentage of parking spaces to be equipped for charging.
• Federal agencies, specifically the Department of Energy (DOE), should lead research to reduce 'soft costs'—such as permitting and interconnection—and provide guidance for community needs assessments to ensure infrastructure is placed where it maximizes local access.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2021). Federal Support for EV Charging Policies for Rapid, Equitable Investments. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/federal-ev-charging-policy_1.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Federal Support for EV Charging Policies for Rapid, Equitable Investments. 2021. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/federal-ev-charging-policy_1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Federal Support for EV Charging Policies for Rapid, Equitable Investments |date=March 2021 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/federal-ev-charging-policy_1.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2021federal, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Federal Support for EV Charging Policies for Rapid, Equitable Investments}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/federal-ev-charging-policy_1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }