Electric vehicle charging infrastructure company EVgo has embarked on a mission to address racial and environmental justice through strategic station placement. Here's how they're making charging access more equitable:

Understanding the Challenge

Infrastructure placement historically impacts environmental justice, from redlining to highway construction. EVgo recognizes their responsibility to ensure equitable access to EV charging and its benefits of cleaner air and economic opportunity.

Using Data-Driven Solutions

EVgo employs EPA's EJScreen tool to identify communities most impacted by:

• High particulate pollution (PM2.5)
• Higher percentages of low-income residents
• Higher percentages of minority populations

They define "serving" communities as providing charging access within a 10-minute drive from residents' homes.

Current Challenges

Analysis of Atlanta revealed limited charging access in heavily impacted communities, particularly in the southern belt. Similar patterns emerged in other major cities.

Implementing Solutions

EVgo is improving access through:

• Proactive site development in underserved areas
• Direct outreach to potential site hosts in target ZIP codes
• Data-driven site selection algorithms that consider environmental justice factors
• Regular evaluation of EJScreen scores for service areas

Measuring Progress

The company tracks progress through:

• Board-reported metrics on EJScreen scores
• Quarterly improvement requirements for operating chargers
• Continuous evaluation of measurement methods

Ongoing Challenges

Rural areas present particular difficulties due to:

• Lower population density
• Higher operating costs
• Current charging rebate program structures
• Legacy rate designs

EVgo commits to quarterly improvements in environmental justice scores and continues to evaluate and adjust their approach to ensure more equitable access to EV charging infrastructure.

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