Partners and Resources

Partners

Charge Across Town relies on a robust partnership program, spanning the electric vehicle industry and e-mobility companies, local municipalities, community-based organizations, non-profit partners, and business leaders to help bring EV awareness and solutions to our communities. We thank our numerous partners who make this work possible.

If you are a business or an organization looking to partner with us, we’d love to hear from you at partners@chargeacrosstown.org.

Grants and Rebates

Are you interested in the financial benefits of purchasing or leasing new or used electric vehicles (EVs)? Whether you recently attended a Charge Across Town event or are simply exploring your options, this section is designed to guide you through the various federal, state, and local grant initiatives that make EV ownership more accessible and affordable.

As we transition towards sustainable transportation solutions, electric vehicles offer a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars. With a range of grants and incentives available, there’s never been a better time to transition to electric.

Federal Grants and Incentives

The federal government offers several incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. One of the most significant incentives is the Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, which provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of qualifying electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles. Learn more about what makes and models are currently eligible here, as well as additional tax credits for the purchase of eligible used vehicles. Discover more about these incentives and see if your used vehicle purchase qualifies for tax credits here.

State and Utility Grants and Rebates

In addition to federal incentives, many states, as well as utilities, offer their own grants and rebates to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives vary by state but often include rebates and tax credits for the purchase of both new and used electric vehicles, alongside other incentives such as rebates and grants for EV charging infrastructure, access to HOV lanes, and reduced registration fees. See what additional opportunities exist in your state using the interactive map provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Additional Information and Resources

Navigating the landscape of federal and state grants for electric vehicles can be daunting. Charge Across Town is here to help. Whether it’s through our Ride & Drives or other educational events, we can help point you toward the right resources to find available grants and incentives in your area, making it easy to find the support you need to make the switch to electric. Whether you're a first-time EV buyer or looking to expand your existing fleet, our resources can help you maximize your savings and make informed decisions.

ElectricForAll - Interactive resource on EV purchasing and charging from Veloz
- Find 100+ New EVs and Incentives
DriveClean - Comprehensive ZEV resources from the California Air Resources Board
PlugInAmerica - Great tools on why to Buy an EV and how to use tax credits
DOE Tax Center - Interactive site listing available tax credits for ZEVs and refueling
EVs and Accessibility - Informative tool on benefits of EVs for people with disabilities
EV Association of Silicon Valley - Bay Area club for EV owners and enthusiasts

About Charging

Thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle, but concerned about access to a charger? At Charge Across Town, we are dedicated to helping you easily navigate the world of EV charging and find the right resources to assist you in locating nearby charging networks. Whether exploring a new city or driving cross country, we ensure you have the tools for a seamless charging experience.

Below are some valuable resources, alongside a dynamic map from our friends at PlugShare to support your charging needs:

Plugshare – One of the most comprehensive, free-to-use EV charging station locators available, with crowdsourced data and optional additional paid features
Google Maps – Searching on the Google Maps App “Electric Vehicle Station” or similar keywords directs you to the nearest charging station
AFDC EV Charging Locations – Interactive filterable map from DOE showing all listed US charging stations, with links to downloadable Android and iOS apps
Chargeway – Downloadable app to plan road trips and show real-time availability, with an easy-to-use color-based charger identifying system for your EV
EVhype – EV charging locator tailored to North America, highlighting time-of-use to promote off-peak charging and offering an easy-to-use platform for planning your charge

Learn More About EVs

Despite the numerous benefits of electric vehicles, several myths and misconceptions still surround electric vehicles. Our goal is to address these and provide you with accurate information that helps you make informed decisions about EV ownership. Let’s address some common myths and set the record straight:

Myth 1: Limited Range

One of the most pervasive myths about electric vehicles is that they have limited range and are only suitable for short-distance travel. In reality, many modern electric vehicles range over 200 miles on a single charge, with many models now exceeding 300 miles, and some up to 400! This range is more than sufficient for daily commuting and most long-distance trips. With the growing availability of fast-charging infrastructure, range anxiety is becoming less of a concern for electric vehicle owners.

Learn more about driving behaviors and EV ranges across the U.S. here.

Myth 2: EVs are Expensive

Another common misconception is that EVs are prohibitively expensive compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Though EVs may have higher upfront costs, new and used EVs are often eligible for federal rebates up to $7,500, alongside numerous state and utility-led programs that can further reduce the total purchase cost. EVs also typically require less maintenance over their lifetime. While the cost of electricity does shift across markets and based on when you charge, it is generally cheaper than gasoline, reducing refueling costs. Electric motors have fewer moving parts compared to gas and diesel engines, meaning less wear and tear and fewer repairs. Additionally, EVs don’t require oil changes or other common maintenance, further lowering the total cost of ownership. With some small exceptions, the total cost of ownership for an EV is less than its gas-powered counterpart.

Learn more about the total cost of EV ownership across various makes and models here.

Myth 3: EVs are Boring

Some people believe that EVs lack the excitement of traditional gas-powered cars. However, EVs are known for their instant torque delivery, providing quick acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. Many EVs offer impressive acceleration times and responsive handling, even compared to performance gas-powered models, making them a joy to drive. Many EVs now also come with exciting features like heads-up displays, extra storage, wireless charging, and more. While we endorse only the safest driving habits, you can learn a little bit more about EV performance here.

Myth 4: Upstream Emissions Outweigh EV Benefits

Electric vehicles are significantly more environmentally friendly than gas-powered cars, even when accounting for the emissions generated during electricity production. According to studies, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional vehicles, thanks to the efficiency of electric motors and the increasingly clean energy mix powering the grid. By driving an electric vehicle, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Learn more about what the upstream EV charging emissions are in your area compared to the tailpipe emissions from gas-powered vehicles here.

Myth 5: Insufficient Charging Stations

You may hear that there aren't enough charging stations to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles yet. While it's true that the charging infrastructure is still expanding and must be a major focus for governments and industry in the years ahead, significant progress has already been made to deploy charging stations across the country. From public charging networks to home charging solutions, electric vehicle owners have access to a growing number of charging options. For those of us who live in apartment buildings or other multi-unit dwellings, many states and utilities are also creating dedicated programs to fund charging infrastructure in shared garages. Additionally, advancements in fast-charging technology are reducing charging times and improving the convenience of electric vehicle ownership. To find out what chargers might be closest to you, see our “About Charging” resource.

Myth 6: Ethical Concerns Over Battery Production

Ethical sourcing of materials such as lithium and cobalt, essential for electric vehicle batteries, presents significant environmental and social challenges.These concerns are valid and have led to misconceptions on the overall impact of electric vehicles.To address these issues, companies within the EV supply chain are intensifying their focus on ethical sourcing practices. They are investing in initiatives that enhance transparency and accountability in mining operations. In recent legislation, the U.S. government mandates that 80% of critical minerals for EV batteries must be sourced domestically or from U.S. free trade partners with protections against forced and child labor. Additionally, technological advancements in battery production are decreasing dependence on critical minerals like cobalt, alleviating some of the ethical concerns associated with EV manufacturing.

Learn more about the life cycle and supply chain of an EV battery here.