Introduction to LFA’s new Electric Vehicle (EV) Project Partnership with the State of Arizona
Local First Arizona is partnering with the State of Arizona to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging station demonstration projects. This public-private partnership is focused on defining and supporting advanced sustainability projects utilizing existing federal, state, municipal and utility resources. Leveraging these cost-saving solutions, the Local First Arizona sustainability team is working to improve sustainability outcomes through electric vehicles, energy efficiency and transportation emissions reductions. Additionally, the team is working to strengthen relationships with the local utility providers and municipalities so we can connect more businesses with opportunities to maximize available electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and other sustainability-focused incentives and rebates for their cost and energy savings. These projects will showcase the many benefits of EVs at local business hubs throughout Arizona.
Why are electric vehicles important? Benefits include:
Reduced electric bills
$4,600 saved on average over the lifetime of a vehicle
$800-$1,000 saved on average per year in fuel costs
Cut maintenance and repair in half over the life of a vehicle
Hedges against volatile fuel prices
Grows Arizona’s robust advanced manufacturing economy and creates local jobs
Promotes sustainable business practices and boost public image
Preserves our scarce water resources
Improves air quality
According to the Department of Energy, EVs can also reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improve public health and reduce ecological damage. Charging your EV on renewable energy such as solar or wind minimizes these emissions even more.
Learn more about how EVs reduce pollution and their lifecycle emissions and see the difference in emissions between a conventional vehicle and an EV using a calculator found here.
In support of the State of Arizona’s sustainability goals, Local First Arizona’s sustainability team will advance electric vehicle charging stations as demonstration projects in Arizona in 2021. Our team is also dedicated to connecting consumers to shared-use mobility and alternative transportation options, equity considerations, and any applicable connections through the SCALE UP sustainability plans in development. These projects are aligned with the State of Arizona’s current funding priorities focused on the electrification of the transportation system, particularly electric vehicle charging stations at business hubs throughout Arizona. Critical to the success of the projects and goal achievement will be a Local First Arizona statewide challenge to other businesses (based on grant availability) to address the increasing demand for EV charging station hubs in support of clean, renewable energy in Arizona. An upcoming blog will feature the first EV charging station project of this exciting new partnership.