Maximizing Your EV Charging Station Grant

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, there's never been a better time to invest in EV charging stations.

But why stop at just charging? Let's explore how you can transform your EV charging site into a community hub that offers more than just a power boost for vehicles.

Understanding the EV Charging Station Grant

The Federal Highway Administration is awarding $311 million to 36 "community" projects as part of a larger $623 million initiative to build an extensive EV charging network across the United States. This Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants Program aims to install EV charging and alternative fuel infrastructure in various public locations, including roads, schools, parks, and publicly accessible parking facilities.

The program's goal is to create a comprehensive, interconnected network of charging stations that makes EV ownership more practical and appealing to a wider range of Americans.

Beyond Charging: Creating a Community Destination

While the primary focus of this grant is expanding EV charging infrastructure, it presents an incredible opportunity to think beyond just the charging stations themselves. If you incorporate additional amenities and features, you can transform a simple charging point into a destination that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and enhances the quality of life for residents.

So, let's explore some innovative ways to elevate your EV charging station project.

Smart Restrooms: The Future of Public Facilities

Consider pairing your EV charging station with state-of-the-art smart restrooms. These self-cleaning, vandal-proof facilities offer a range of benefits for community spaces, including:

• Automatic cleaning after each use, utilizing advanced sanitization technology
• Regular comprehensive cleaning cycles scheduled during off-peak hours
• Remote access control for easy management, allowing staff to monitor usage and maintenance needs from afar
• Durable, vandal-resistant construction using materials like stainless steel and anti-graffiti coatings
• Optional amenities such as showers for travelers, changing rooms for families, park manager offices for on-site supervision, water bottle fill stations to promote sustainability, and fully ADA-compliant designs ensuring accessibility for all users

Read More: The Benefits of a Smart, Self-Cleaning Restroom for Your Park

Site Amenities: Comfort and Convenience

While vehicles charge, why not offer visitors a place to relax and enjoy their surroundings? Think about adding these thoughtful site amenities throughout your space:

• Comfortable benches and picnic tables made from sustainable materials
• Secure bike racks for cyclists, encouraging multi-modal transportation
• Clear, informative signage that includes charging instructions, local attractions, and educational content about EVs
• Shade structures for protection from the elements, potentially incorporating solar panels for additional green energy generation
• Conveniently placed trash and recycling bins with clear labeling to promote proper waste management
• USB charging ports and Wi-Fi hotspots to keep visitors connected during their stay

Read More: Park Site Amenities that Help Make Your Park Enjoyable for All!

Mini Playgrounds: Entertainment for All Ages

Depending on your space's type of charging capability, drivers may charge anywhere from 15 - 35 minutes. Families with children will appreciate a small play area with commercial playground equipment near the charging station to occupy any restless kids. A well-designed mini playground can include things like:

• Safe, age-appropriate equipment for toddlers and older children
• Soft, impact-absorbing playground surfacing made from recycled materials
• Seating for parents and guardians with clear sightlines to the play area
• Educational elements that teach about renewable energy, such as hand-crank generators or solar-powered toys
• Inclusive play equipment to ensure children of all abilities can participate

This addition makes charging time fly by for families and promotes physical activity, learning, and social interaction among young visitors.

Green Spaces: A Breath of Fresh Air

Want to ensure a peaceful time for visitors? Try building landscaping and green spaces around your charging station to create a more inviting and environmentally friendly atmosphere. Consider doing the following:

• Plant native species to improve air quality and support local ecosystems
• Create butterfly gardens or pollinator-friendly areas to boost biodiversity
• Install rain gardens or bioswales to manage stormwater runoff naturally
• Provide natural beauty with seasonally changing flora
• Offer spaces for relaxation and stress relief, such as meditation gardens or walking paths
• Demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability through interpretive signage explaining the benefits of green spaces

Read More: Clackamas County Adds Nature Themed Playground at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon

Maximizing Community Appeal and Usage

The above are all great additions to a charging station, but if you want to create a true community asset, follow these steps:

1. Engage local artists: Commission murals, sculptures, or interactive art installations that reflect your community's unique character and history. This beautifies the space and creates a sense of local pride and ownership.
2. Host events: Organize educational workshops about EVs, sustainable practices, or local environmental issues. Host farmers' markets, outdoor fitness classes, or community gatherings to draw regular foot traffic.
3. Partner with local businesses: Collaborate with nearby shops and restaurants to offer promotions or discounts to EV users. This can include "charge and dine" deals or special offers for those who show their charging receipt, encouraging patronage of local establishments.
4. Implement smart technology: Use apps or digital displays to show the real-time availability of charging stations and estimated wait times. Place QR codes on signage that link to local attractions or provide information about the charging station's green features.
5. Create a loyalty program: Develop a rewards system for frequent users, offering perks like priority charging times or discounts on local goods and services.

Read More: What to Include in Your Neighborhood and Community Parks

Power Up Your Community

Ready to electrify your community with an innovative EV charging station project that utilizes amenities like smart restrooms, site furnishings, mini playgrounds, and green spaces? Reach out to MRC today.

Our team of experienced consultants and designers is ready to help you design a comprehensive solution and implement a project that maximizes your grant funding while creating lasting value for your community.