Congressman Carson and Mayor Hogsett unveil $15 Million initiative for EV charging stations

Congressman André Carson, D-Indianapolis, and Mayor of Indianapolis Joe Hogsett unveiled a $15 million grant aimed at expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout Indianapolis on Aug 29. This endeavor will focus on addressing disparities in the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which inadequately aided urban and underserved neighborhoods in Indy. It also lacked provisions for the inclusion of minority and disadvantaged enterprises. Carson had previously raised these issues in a 2022 letter and has collaborated with local entities and the federal Department of Transportation to champion for a more equitable allocation of EV infrastructure, culminating in this funding. As EVs are projected to represent nearly 50% of global car sales by 2035, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which Carson supported, presented significant consumer incentives, including a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases. EVs can reduce energy costs by $800 to $1,000 annually and are approximately 40% cheaper to maintain compared to traditional vehicles. Transportation contributes to approximately one-third of Indianapolis’ greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to electric vehicles vital for reducing pollution, improving regional air quality and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 as outlined in the city’s Thrive Indianapolis sustainability plan. “Historically, major...