I recently had the privilege of participating in a roundtable led by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability alongside leaders from ten cities who have pioneered electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. As the City of Austin’s former director of transportation, and currently the head of STV’s Smart Cities practice, this opportunity to discuss lessons learned and key takeaways with officials from other cities including, Boston, Los Angeles and Oslo, Norway, provided actionable insights that will better define how communities across the globe approach building an equitable and durable EV charging ecosystem.
The completed report highlights tactics related to planning, policy partnerships and funding. However, one of the central takeaways was the importance of setting operational goals and milestones that are not only aspirational – like reducing emissions – but also tactical. When I was in Austin, our team, working alongside Austin Energy, created a step-by-step roadmap for EV adoption that spanned municipal fleets, public chargers and resident-focused initiatives. Our transportation department prioritized electrification within its fleet, aligning procurement decisions with its mission. As a result, it emerged as the most electrified department at the City of Austin.
However, ambitious goals demand more than commitment – they require structure. Roundtable communities recommended dedicating a specific team to manage a city’s EV program. This team facilitates communication across departments, coordinates infrastructure development, and ensures all stakeholders, including City Council and the budget office, remain aligned.
The roundtable highlighted how forward-thinking policies are crucial to accelerating EV adoption. Early adopter cities like Portland, OR, have mandated that a percentage of parking spaces in new and renovated lots be EV-ready. Austin is exploring similar building code changes to require all new construction to accommodate future EV chargers by being EV Ready. While this may add about $120 to a residential unit’s construction cost, requiring additional electrical breakers and wiring, it drastically reduces future installation expenses to the owner of the actual charger, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Additionally, the roundtable discussed how collaboration is at the heart of a successful EV program. Cities like Austin, which owns its own municipal electric company, work closely with EV advocates like TexasEV.org to offer subsidies for charger installations, particularly in multi-family communities where access to charging infrastructure is a significant barrier. I currently serve as a member of TexasEV.org, representing STV at their meetings. These partnerships work on public education initiatives, such as hosting EV events to familiarize residents with the technology and vehicles and generate enthusiasm in communities everywhere.
Effective funding strategies hinge on data. The roundtable discussed how leveraging usage statistics from existing chargers could help strengthen the case for future investments. This data helps City Council and budget partners understand the demand and impact of expanding the EV program, ensuring continued financial support.
Lastly, the roundtable highlighted how EV adoption isn’t just about cars but bikes, buses, and beyond. In Austin, city leadership worked with the transit agency to electrify buses while also collaborating with school districts to transition to electric school buses. Leadership also expanded electric micro-mobility (bikes, scooters, and low-speed electric taxis) throughout the community in partnership with Capital Metro. By expanding the scope of EVs, we ensured all residents benefit from cleaner and more affordable transportation options.
STV’s participation in this roundtable reinforced the importance of adaptability. Every city’s EV program must reflect its unique dynamics. For instance, large urban areas like Austin may prioritize curbside chargers and multi-family unit installations, while suburban communities might focus on home charging incentives.
The roundtable also underscored the value of simplifying regulations to accelerate charger deployment. Streamlining permitting processes and simplifying codes can make it easier to install EV infrastructure in existing and new buildings. Simple ideas like assuring that chargers are identified as an ancillary use of a parcel rather than an independent use can streamline permitting and preclude the need to rezone certain commercial properties when seeking to expand EV charger availability.
The Salata Institute’s report is more than a collection of best practices – it’s a call to action. Early adopter cities are leading the way, influencing land use, collaborating with stakeholders, and building a robust, equitable EV ecosystem. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can drive the transformation toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
