Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating across the country, but one major roadblock continues to slow momentum: connecting chargers to the electric grid. This challenge is especially pressing for small fleets and residents of multi-family housing (MFH), where charging access can be complicated and costly. These groups, often located in disadvantaged communities, face unique hurdles that risk leaving them behind in the EV transition.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been digging into these issues through its Customer-Informed Interconnection of Storage and Renewables (CIISR) project and the EVs2Scale2030™ initiative. Their latest reports highlight practical solutions to streamline the interconnection process and bring more equitable access to charging infrastructure.
Some of the most important takeaways include:
Customer-identified best practices: Insights from fleets and MFH customers help utilities better understand real-world challenges and expectations.
Utility-led innovations: Utilities are piloting new programs and technology to speed up the interconnection process while maintaining grid reliability.
The power of early planning: Identifying needs and securing funding upfront can prevent costly delays and ensure underserved communities are included from the start.
Together, these efforts are helping utilities, policymakers, and communities close the charging gap. The EV transition isn’t just about vehicles, it’s about making sure the infrastructure is accessible, reliable, and fair for everyone.
📖 Read the full reports here – https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002031384
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