Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is rapidly evolving to become more equitable and accessible for all communities. EVgo has made significant progress in addressing charging disparities across different demographic areas.

Key Metrics for Measuring EV Charging Equity:

• Using EPA's EJScreen PM2.5 metric to identify areas where low-income communities of color experience high air pollution
• Defining "served communities" as those within a 10-minute drive of charging stations
• Tracking state percentile scores to ensure fair distribution of charging infrastructure

Progress and Achievements:

• EVgo increased its average PM2.5 EJScreen demographic score from 45% to 51% in 2021
• Successfully deployed chargers in diverse, urban neighborhoods
• First network to install public fast chargers in Compton and Inglewood

Strategic Location Selection:

• Algorithms prioritize areas with high EV registrations and traffic density
• EJScreen scores integrated into site selection tools
• Focus on serving multi-family housing areas where home charging isn't available

Current Challenges and Focus Areas:

• Addressing charging deserts in areas like South Central LA
• Expanding coverage in underserved urban corridors
• Improving service in cities like Detroit along major routes

Future Considerations:

• Evaluating appropriate charging speeds for different locations
• Addressing CHAdeMO charging needs for existing LEAF drivers
• Reassessing the 10-minute drive metric
• Expanding goals beyond 50% coverage in individual metro areas

Action Items for Improvement:

1. Developing specific neighborhood-level targets
2. Increasing collaboration with local community organizations
3. Expanding into new cities and markets
4. Working with automotive OEM partners to extend service reach

Public sector support remains crucial through:

• Release of Volkswagen Dieselgate settlement funding
• Integration of justice considerations in state plans
• Collaboration with community-based organizations
• Implementation of transparent, scorable site selection criteria

This ongoing initiative demonstrates the industry's commitment to making EV charging accessible to all communities while addressing historical inequities in transportation infrastructure.

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