The grant will aid in bringing more electric vehicle (EV) charging to multifamily housing

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, January 8, 2024 – As EVs become more widely available and multifamily units continue skyrocket across the state, Utah Clean Energy is working to ensure that renters have the same opportunities for EV ownership as homeowners.

“It is no secret that our cars, trucks, and motorcycles are significant contributors to pollution along the Wasatch Front. Helping more Utahns adopt emission free EVs makes an incredibly positive impact on Utah’s air,” said Kim Frost, executive director at UCAIR.

The US Department of Energy reports that around 80% of EV charging happens at home. Unfortunately, that means that renters and those who don’t live in single-family homes are unlikely to be able to charge at home, presenting a significant barrier to EV adoption. With support from UCAIR, Utah Clean Energy will deliver technical assistance to several collaborating municipalities in developing EV readiness ordinances targeted at addressing this gap.

“For the transition to EVs to happen equitably, everyone who wants to drive an EV must have access to charging, including, and especially, those living in multi-family units,” states Kelbe Goupil, Utah Clean Energy’s Senior Associate of Electrification. “An EV readiness ordinance is an effective, localized approach for equitable and increased EV adoption.”

Through the grant, Utah Clean Energy will collaborate with participating municipalities to evaluate best practices, research, and provide technical support for the development of EV readiness ordinances aimed at expanding access to EV charging in multifamily housing. There will also be opportunities for additional municipalities to engage in peer-to-peer learning opportunities around EV readiness best practices and lessons learned.  

To learn more about Utah Clean Energy and their plans to lower emissions in Utah, visit https://utahcleanenergy.org/clean-and-electric-transportation/

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Media Contacts:

Brandy Smith | 801-953-9985                  Kim Frost | 801.536.4466     

Brandy@UtahCleanEnergy.org                kim@ucair.org

About Utah Clean Energy
Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading, expert, public interest organization working to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in a way that is beneficial not only for Utah’s environment and health, but our economy and long-term energy security. Utah Clean Energy is committed to creating a future that ensures healthy, thriving communities for all, empowered and sustained by clean energies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency. For more information visit www.utahcleanenergy.org.

About UCAIR

The Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) is a statewide clean air partnership created to make it easier for individuals, businesses and communities to make small changes to improve Utah’s air. Every small change adds to a collective bigger step toward better health, a better economy, and better overall quality of life for all of us. Find out more about how you can make a difference by visiting UCAIR.org