The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that Miami-Dade County is a recipient of $4,760,788 to expand community electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the county to support current and projected EV adoption.

The funds were granted through the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program made possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law from the Biden-Harris Administration.

The project will provide for the installation of 390 charging ports at 73 community facilities, including libraries, parks, transit hubs, cultural arts facilities, community resource centers, public safety facilities, and college campuses. More than 66 percent of the total charging stations installed will be in low- to moderate- income neighborhoods and almost all stations will be located within one mile of these communities.

A portion of the chargers installed at transit sites will be dedicated specifically to electric car share services that provide first- and last- mile connections to transit. Increasing access to transit options results in wider access to a broader array of jobs and services throughout the region.

“We’re creating an equitable network of EV charging stations so every Miami-Dade resident can reap the many benefits of electric vehicles,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Florida ranks second in the nation for EV registrations and Miami-Dade County has the highest rate of EV adoption in the state. Since we already have great momentum, this is an area where we can make a big impact for our residents by creating easier access to public transit, more equitable use of EVs and cleaner air.”

Electric vehicles help tackle the affordability crisis by reducing fueling and maintenance costs. Charging access is a critical step toward making electric vehicles the transportation of choice for Miami-Dade individuals and families. Moreover, increasing access to EVs will help the county reach goals laid out in the Climate Action Strategy to cut climate pollution 50 percent by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050 by reducing vehicle emissions. Transitioning away from gas powered vehicles to EVs will help improve air quality resulting in broader public health benefits for the community.

The project will add chargers at all eight campuses of Miami Dade College to serve the diverse student population.

“Miami Dade College is proud to be leading the way in making EV infrastructure available to our students,” said Miami Dade College president Madeline Pumariega. “Creating access to EV charging and staying ahead of the curve is a significant step toward a more sustainable future for our community.

“This initiative not only supports sustainability but also provides our students with the convenience and opportunity to utilize electric vehicles, preparing them for a future that embraces clean energy and innovation.”

Grant funds also will be used to purchase four solar charging units to be located at Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue locations for use following a disaster. The solar charging units include battery storage allowing their use during power outages.

“Miami-Dade County is highly vulnerable to hurricanes that can lead to prolonged widespread power outages,” said Dr. Patricia Gomez, Miami-Dade County director of Energy and interim chief resilience officer. “These units can also serve the important function of charging vehicles needed for response and recovery efforts. Best of all, they will make our community more future ready and resilient, lowering long-term energy costs and cleaning up the air both now and for our children and grandchildren.”