Electrifying the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Region

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Electrifying the Roanoke – Valley Alleghany Region

EV Infrastructure Implementation Strategy

The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) acknowledges that the transportation sector is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and that electric vehicle (EV) adoption is critical to reducing the harmful effects of tailpipe emissions.

To address this at the regional level, RVARC has developed an EV Infrastructure Implementation Strategy. This strategy assists RVARC and member jurisdictions in identifying optimal locations for EV charging station deployment, fostering the development of a regional charging network. It includes:

EV adoption projections,
Recommendations for the number and placement of charging stations, and
Best practices for securing funding, shaping local EV policies, and ensuring long-term infrastructure accessibility.

This strategy is designed to guide efforts over the coming years, supporting a sustainable and connected regional transportation future.

View Document Here

A chart showing "State Averages for Virginia" with a pie chart of electricity sources and a bar graph comparing annual emissions per vehicle type in terms of pounds of CO2 equivalent.

Electricity Sources and Fuel-Cycle Emissions – in Virginia. Data based on assumption with 2022 data from EIA

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Anticipated/Projected EV Adoption in the Region

At the end of 2022, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) region had 757 registered electric vehicles (EVs), representing just 0.2% of all on-road light-duty vehicles. The EV Infrastructure Implementation Strategy projects significant growth in the EV market, estimating that the number of registered EVs could increase to between 5,000 and 66,000 within the next five years.

Projected EV Registrations Over Time in RVARC Region. Last updated June 2024

EV Charging Station Needs and Site Recommendations

For Residents

Already have an EV and want to find EV charging in your area or while traveling? Find EV charging stations using the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator tool.

Go to Tool

For Stakeholders and Local Governments

To accommodate the region’s growing EV population, the EV Infrastructure Implementation Strategy provides an analysis estimating the required number of Level 2 and DC Fast chargers. To assist local governments in deploying these stations, the strategy includes an interactive site recommendation map highlighting high- and low-priority locations for EV charging stations. This tool supports local governments in planning their deployment efforts effectively.

Go to Map

A guide on how to use this map is available here

EV Charging Station Types

Level 1 Chargers:
- Slowest charging type, using a standard wall outlet.
- Adds ~5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Ideal for residential use where cars can be parked for long durations.
Level 2 Chargers:
- ~5x faster than Level 1 chargers.
- Suitable for residential and workplace settings.
- Best for locations where cars are parked for a few hours.
DC Fast Chargers:
- Fastest option, delivering over 100 miles of range in ~30 minutes (depending on power level).
- Ideal for public charging stations and fleet operations.

RVARC’s EV Charging Station Deployment Strategy focuses on Level 2 and DC Fast chargers.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Types Graph: Level 1 2,3.

Source: Maryland EV The EV Journey – Owning an EV

EV Charging Station Deployment Process

Once charging sites have been selected and site hosts move into the installation phase, this condensed checklist from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) can guide next step to ensure all deployment tasks are covered:

Infrastructure Development Checklist Planning

Determine project scope, budget, funding mechanism, timeline, and if a formal solicitation is needed
Identify project partners
Decide whether the stations will need to be networking, utilization, and data collection requirements
Engage with stakeholders
Explore federal, state, and local incentives and determine the project budget
Explore and assess local codes, regulations, and permitting requirements

Installation

Select a charging site location
Coordinate with the utility to confirm electrical infrastructure capable of supporting the charging stations is available
Obtain required permits
Determine additional site needs, including signage, accessibility, design, and security
Assess charging infrastructure maintenance and operation needs and costs
Select construction and electrical contractors

Operation

Ensure the station is included in the AFDC Alternative Fueling Station Locator
Monitor uptime and station performance
Conduct staff training as applicable

Questions, messages, or inquiries

If you are a stakeholder or resident interested in staying connected with the RVARC EV Strategy updates, please submit your email, or reach out to Andrea Garland at agarland@rvarc.org

EV Resources

The following websites provide more information on EVs and EV charging stations:

Virginia Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deploymenet

The Commonwealth of Virginia is investing a projected $100 million in federal funding over the next five years to install public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Virginia. See more information in the link

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Federal and State Funding Opportunities

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Public Electric Vehicle Chargin Infrastructure Playbook

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