Congressman André Carson, D-Indianapolis, and Mayor of Indianapolis Joe Hogsett unveiled a $15 million grant aimed at expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout Indianapolis on Aug 29.
This endeavor will focus on addressing disparities in the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which inadequately aided urban and underserved neighborhoods in Indy. It also lacked provisions for the inclusion of minority and disadvantaged enterprises.
Carson had previously raised these issues in a 2022 letter and has collaborated with local entities and the federal Department of Transportation to champion for a more equitable allocation of EV infrastructure, culminating in this funding.
As EVs are projected to represent nearly 50% of global car sales by 2035, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which Carson supported, presented significant consumer incentives, including a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases. EVs can reduce energy costs by $800 to $1,000 annually and are approximately 40% cheaper to maintain compared to traditional vehicles.
Transportation contributes to approximately one-third of Indianapolis’ greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to electric vehicles vital for reducing pollution, improving regional air quality and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 as outlined in the city’s Thrive Indianapolis sustainability plan.
“Historically, major American infrastructure projects, like our interstate system, have had negative impacts on Black neighborhoods,” Carson said in a statement. “While these projects often benefitted more affluent areas, minority communities were left behind. I am committed to ensuring we don’t repeat these mistakes and am proud to secure this funding to address gaps in our EV charging network. EVs represent the future of infrastructure, and it’s vital that urban areas share in the benefits, including reduced pollution and financial savings.”
Hogsett expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Indianapolis is eager to partner with state and federal agencies to bring EV technology to communities that have faced environmental injustices. This initiative aims to shift decision-making power to those most affected and take meaningful steps to address historical inequities.”
State Chair of Environmental and Climate Justice for the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP Denise Abdul-Rahman highlighted the significance of the BIPOC-led Alliance in this project.
“The Alliance’s mission is to ensure an equitable and community-focused approach to deploying EV charging infrastructure,” Abdul-Rahman said. “Our partnership with the City leverages established relationships in underserved areas, ensuring that these communities are included and not overlooked.”
More on the EV grant
The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, established under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure. Indianapolis will receive $15 million in discretionary funding from the Federal Highway Administration, sponsored by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, the Indiana NAACP State Conference and the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities (Alliance).
The funds will be used to enhance the number of DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging stations in Indianapolis, addressing gaps in the existing network. The project will prioritize locations based on evolving EV demand and environmental justice needs, with each site equipped with at least one Level 2 NEVI standard-compliant charging station. Community input will be sought for site selection, which will also undergo a feasibility study and engagement process.
Parking locations throughout Indianapolis, including parks and libraries, will be evaluated for their alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 initiative, which directs at least 40% of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities. Local organizations such as the Indianapolis Public Library and the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation (Indy Parks) supported the application.
Additionally, a portion of the grant will fund workforce development efforts, including the creation of marketing and outreach strategies to recruit apprentices and journeymen for the Electric Charging Station installation. Local educational institutions and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will support this initiative to generate and retain skilled, well-paying local jobs.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news courtesy of the Indianapolis Recorder, visit our homepage.
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