Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just revolutionizing urban landscapes but also bringing about positive transformations in rural communities. Deploying EV charging stations in rural neighborhoods offers many benefits, from economic development to improved health and environmental sustainability. Let’s delve into EV charging infrastructure’s advantages to rural areas.

Economic Development

EV charging stations act as hubs for economic activity in rural communities. Travelers using EVs often plan their routes based on the availability of charging stations. Rural areas strategically placing these stations can attract regional travelers, fostering connections to the broader EV charging network. This, in turn, benefits both residents and outside visitors. Even with fast charging, the extended time required for EV refueling encourages drivers to engage in various activities during stops, such as shopping at local stores, dining at restaurants, visiting casinos, parks, and other attractions. The revenue generated from these activities contributes to the economic development of rural communities.

While the initial investment in charging infrastructure may be substantial, various funding opportunities, including grants and loans from public and private organizations, can help offset these costs. Federal funding programs are available to support entities planning for and purchasing EV charging infrastructure in rural areas.

Health Benefits

The transition to electric transportation brings substantial health benefits to rural communities. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles emit tailpipe emissions that contribute to air pollution, resulting in adverse health impacts. EVs, especially Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), operate with zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution around homes and businesses in rural areas.

According to the American Lung Association, a nationwide shift to electric transportation by 2050 could save approximately 6,300 lives annually, prevent 93,000 asthma attacks, and eliminate 416,000 lost workdays. Additionally, EVs, with features like regenerative braking, contribute to less brake dust pollution than conventional vehicles. These health benefits are particularly crucial for communities overburdened by pollution, often communities of color and low-income areas, promoting environmental justice.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Rural communities are not immune to the impacts of climate change, including increased wildfires, severe storms, and heat waves. The transportation sector, responsible for a significant portion of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, can benefit from widespread EV adoption. EVs, especially when powered by renewable energy sources, substantially reduce GHG emissions compared to conventional vehicles.

Transitioning to EVs, including electric micro mobility solutions, aligns with national emission reduction goals. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that high adoption of shared micro mobility alone can save 2.3 billion gasoline-equivalent gallons annually.

EV Manufacturing and Employment

The growth of the EV industry presents a unique opportunity for rural America to participate in EV manufacturing and benefit from employment opportunities. The electric vehicle sector has grown remarkably, adding jobs even as other sectors faced challenges. Recent investments in EV manufacturing plants, like the ones in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Lebanon, Tennessee, demonstrate the industry’s potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.

Federal initiatives, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provide extensive funding to support domestic manufacturing for EVs and related equipment. The emphasis on a domestic supply chain for battery production and support for advanced energy manufacturing facilities reinforces the commitment to bolstering the EV manufacturing base.

Developing Tomorrow’s EV Workforce

As the EV industry expands, so does the need for a skilled workforce. The transition to EVs will create new jobs and opportunities while requiring upskilling and reskilling of the existing workforce. Federal initiatives led by the Department of Energy (DOE) aim to support workforce development in the EV sector.

DOE-funded programs like the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program focus on training technicians, first responders, and code and safety officials. Internship opportunities in rural areas aim to provide hands-on experience and foster diversity within the EV workforce. The commitment to building a clean mobility workforce aligns with the broader goal of decarbonizing the transportation sector by 2050.

Electrify Rural Communities with Apogee Charging Solutions

The deployment of EV charging stations in rural communities goes beyond just facilitating vehicle charging. It catalyzes economic growth, promotes public health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to developing a skilled and inclusive EV workforce. By embracing EVs and their associated infrastructure, rural communities position themselves at the forefront of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Is your community ready to install EV chargers? Contact Apogee Charging Solutions to learn more about accessing EV charging in your rural neighborhood. Call 484-816-2076, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.