Charging Smart Resource Center

About Charging Smart

The Charging Smart program is a certification and technical assistance program designed to provide Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio communities with a roadmap to electric vehicle (EV) readiness. The program has six categories of community action that can enable a self-sustaining market for EVs to flourish. Each category is paired with best practices. The program identifies multiple actions that can complete each best practice. There is a portfolio of actions that include both simple steps and more complex initiatives that will qualify a community for an EV Smart certification. The program emphasizes completing best practices and actions in each category and provides flexibility for individual community priorities. 

First EV Smart Cohort 2022-2023

In Summer 2022, the first cohort of 24 communities began the EV Smart program. These communities are in Ohio and Michigan. They received technical assistance through the program, worked towards completing EV actions in their communities, and closed in Spring 2023. 

Second EV Smart Cohort 2023-2024

In Winter 2023, we welcomed the next EV Smart cohorts. These next cohorts are comprised of Minnesota cities and separately Native nations that share geography with Minnesota. These cohorts' hands-on technical assistance period will continue until Spring 2024, when they'll be able to earn certification.

Third EV Smart Cohort 2023-2024

Starting in Winter 2023, Michigan and Ohio communities will have the opportunity to join this cohort and work towards certification. Returning communities are welcome! This cohort will receive technical assistance and be able to earn certification in Summer 2024.

On the Horizon

Great Plains Institute and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) have worked hard to launch Charging Smart to bring this programming to more municipalities across the country!