City of Charlotte

At a Glance

Industry

Government/Public Administration

Project Types

Climate Justice/Energy Equity, Zero Emission Vehicles, Freight and Logistics

Year

2024

Location

Charlotte, NC

Summary

Himanshhu Panwar worked with the City of Charlotte on GIS mapping for a federal grant application focused on the equitable distribution of EV infrastructure across the city.

Goals

The City of Charlotte, a city government in the state of North Carolina, enlisted EDF Climate Corps fellow Himanshhu Panwar to assist in a federal grant application with the objective of advancing the city's Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) by developing an equity-focused electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan. This included identifying strategic locations for EV charging stations to ensure equitable access across the city, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, the fellowship aimed to assess the feasibility of other grants, to support the city's transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. A secondary goal was to contribute to the city's climate risk assessment, identifying hazards and their impacts on different place types to enhance resiliency.

Solutions

The fellowship's solutions were multi-faceted, addressing both immediate and long-term needs in Charlotte's sustainability efforts. For the CFI Grant, a thorough analysis was conducted to identify optimal EV charging station locations, prioritizing "Corridors of Opportunity" and Justice40 communities. Spatial data and fleet information were used to propose 20 charging station sites that would maximize access and equity. For the CHDV Grant, a feasibility study was performed, including a comprehensive review of the grant's requirements and an inventory of old Class 6 & 7 vehicles that could be replaced with cleaner alternatives. The study also involved engaging with stakeholders and analyzing potential funding structures to make the project financially viable. In the climate risk assessment, the fellowship examined various place types to assess how hazards like extreme heat, flooding, and storms affect infrastructure and vulnerable communities. Data on hazard impacts, exacerbating factors, and mitigation strategies were collected to inform strategic proposals. These findings could shape Charlotte's future climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.

Potential Impact

The fellowship projects are expected to significantly impact Charlotte's sustainability and climate resilience goals. The proposed EV infrastructure plan aims to improve charging access, especially in underserved communities, promoting equitable access to clean transportation. The CHDV Grant feasibility study set the stage for replacing high-emission heavy-duty vehicles, supporting the city's emission reduction targets. Additionally, the climate risk assessment identified vulnerabilities across the city, enabling targeted mitigation strategies. Together, these initiatives advance Charlotte's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, enhance community resilience, and address historical environmental injustices.

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