A new coalition to speed the development of an EV charging network forms

A new coalition of automakers, workers, utilities, suppliers, investors, and public interest advocates has formed to spur the development of the nation’s electric-vehicle (EV) charging network.

The National EV Charging Initiative consists of 24 groups representing tens of thousands of companies, union members, investors, and advocates. The members all agree to push for deeper commitments from each other and the federal government to deploy the charging stations needed to improve air quality, create domestic jobs, address racial inequities, and curb climate change.

“These groups are ready, willing, and able to work together to build the national charging network needed to meet the Biden administration’s goal of transforming our transportation system,” Colleen Quinn, president of eMobility Advisors and the coalition’s organizer, said. “Investing in this system will contribute to a just transition that creates good jobs, addresses the climate crisis, and cuts air pollution.”

The 24 member organizations of the coalition include: the Alliance for Transportation Electrification; Alliance for Automotive Innovation; California Electric Transportation Coalition; CALSTART; Ceres; ChargEVC; Coalition for Green Capital; Maria Bocanegra, Illinois Commerce Commissioner and Chair of NARUC’s Electric Vehicles Working Group; Edison Electric Institute (EEI); Electric Drive Transportation Association; Electric Vehicle Charging Association; Electrification Coalition; Environmental Defense Fund; EVHybridNoire; Forth; The Greenlining Institute; GreenLatinos; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); National Association of State Energy Officials; Plug In America; Sierra Club; Veloz; and Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA)

The members pledged to collaborate with all levels of government to build a national charging network for cars and light trucks, as well as heavy-duty vehicles. While many members pledge to make their own investments in this network, the coalition will also advocate for funding and other support from the public sector. The stakeholders will develop a common framework to marshal public and private resources to quicken the pace of electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. and increase the speed, scope, and scale of infrastructure deployment.

“This important Initiative underscores the need for collaboration and coordination in electrifying the transportation sector. I am honored to be a member of the Advisory Council and look forward to exploring ways to provide education and outreach to regulatory agencies throughout the Nation,” Maria Bocanegra, Illinois Commerce Commissioner and Chair of NARUC’s Electric Vehicles Working Group, said.