Charging Smart is a national program that helps local governments prepare for the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption. It provides a roadmap for communities to facilitate increased access to EV charging stations, leading to formal recognition as a Charging Smart designated community. The program also includes access to technical experts to help with planning, zoning, regulation, utility engagement, public education, and even government-owned fleets.
Charging Smart also helps lower the cost of deploying EV charging infrastructure and attract private investment. “Soft costs,” associated with permitting, inspection, and interconnection, can drive up the overall cost of these project, but Charging Smart can help local governments streamline their policies and processes to avoid unnecessary burdens. Join ERI for a discussion with Charging Smart national experts and hear from one Hoosier community that has recently gone through the process.
In 2025, West Lafayette earned Charging Smart Bronze designation in recognition of their work to remove barriers to EV charging infrastructure. Their actions included clarifying permitting processes for charging stations, training municipal staff in best practices, and more!
