EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION

Within the realm of transportation electrification, there has been monumental progress in the expansion of this market in recent years. However, there are several barriers that prevent low-to-moderate income and disadvantaged communities from readily accessing EVs. Given the high upfront cost of EVs, it can be difficult to afford such a substantial investment. Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act is vital for bridging this gap. According to Atlas Public Policy’s EV Hub, IIJA and IRA funding available for EVs amounts to almost 30 times the total EV-related public funding awarded to date. Now more than ever, there is ample opportunity to include low-to-moderate income communities and historically disadvantaged communities in the transition to EVs. Another key component of advancing an equitable EV transition is ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is built out in rural areas and low-to-moderate income communities. Some federal funding is specifically allocated towards these efforts, but there must be a concerted, localized push to distribute both public and private funding into areas that are often overlooked yet stand to benefit the most from the economic and environmental benefits of transportation electrification. NCSEA is dedicated to advocating for low-to-moderate income and disadvantaged communities within this space and seeking opportunities to uplift marginalized voices in related policy proceedings.