Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

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.

Suzanne Russo

Fellow; Director, Environmental Justice Initiative

Suzanne Russo is a fellow and director of the Environmental Justice Initiative at RFF.

Beia Spiller

Fellow; Director, Transportation Program

Beia Spiller is a fellow and the director for RFF's Transportation Program. Her recent research has focused around electric vehicles and environmental justice, exploring some of the most pressing issues around electric car, truck and bus adoption.

Rachel Wilwerding

Fordham University

Policy Leadership Series - Oct 8, 2024

The Future of Environmental and Energy Justice: A Policy Leadership Series Event with Shalanda Baker

The Future of Environmental and Energy Justice: A Policy Leadership Series Event with Shalanda Baker

On the Issues - Aug 23, 2024

On the Issues: European Union Climate Policy, Dam Removals, and More

A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: European Union climate policy, dam removals, and more.

Common Resources - Aug 19, 2024

Almost Everything Almost Everywhere All at Once: Why Place-Based Policies Are Not Targeting the Right Places

Place-based policies in the United States aim to provide support to specific locations. Unfortunately, major energy and environmental policies fail to target the places with the most need, diluting the intended benefits and suggesting the need for reform.

Resources Radio - Jul 23, 2024

Four Dam Removals on the Klamath River, with Amy Bowers Cordalis

Amy Bowers Cordalis discusses the historical impact of the Klamath River dams on the Yurok Tribe, successful efforts to have the dams removed, and protecting the cultural and natural resources of Native Americans.