In this webinar, presented live on May7, 2024, we heard updates on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Volkswagen Settlement funds and the Direct Pay program through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). ZEF Energy, a Minneapolis-based EV charging solutions provider, in partnership with MN GreenStep will outline what these programs are and how any business, community, or Tribal nation interested in EV charging can take advantage of the financial assistance provided through these programs.
Summary:
Will Tuchtenhagen, Sales and Project Developer & Megan Hoye, Chief Development Officer - ZEF Energy
- Megan provided an overview of ZEF Energy, a Minneapolis-based national company that provides hardware, asset management platform, driver experience, and service for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- U.S. electric car sales growth have increased 40-60%+ since 2022. In Minnesota, there are 62,000 battery electric vehicles and 38,500 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
- ZEF stations in Minnesota see an average of around 50 uses per month. Public charging station utilization trends show highest use between 1pm - 6pm (typically before peak power charges).
- Will shared how ZEF is involved with the MPCA Grant Program. ZEF was awarded to install EV fast-charging hubs at 33 sites around Greater Minnesota through the Phase 2 of the Volkswagen Settlement Funds. The MPCA identified corridors and sites were located between 30-70 miles apart from each other. Sites are future-proof and constructed to add more ports as demand grows. Recent installs include Fosston, Warroad, and Glencoe.
- Key areas for limited time grant funding include: Ely, Baudette, Pipestone, Windom, Karlstad, Big Falls, Cook, Bena, Princeton, Fairmont, Grand Portage, and Swan River.
- Peter Lindstrom, Manager, Public Affairs & Community Engagement - Clean Energy Resource Teams
- Peter reminded us that Federal Tax Credits continue to be available for electric vehicles. They are income qualified (single <$150,000 and married <$300,000) and include conditions of: assembled in North America, meets battery sourcing requirements, complies with pricing requirements of less than $80,000 for SUV/Pickup trucks/vans or less than $55,000 for other vehicles.
- For charging, the Federal Tax Credit 30C: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit provides 30% for individuals up to $1000 and up to 6% for businesses up to $100,000 (up to 30% if business meets prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements).
- Qualified fuels include electricity, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and biodiesel.
- Costs can include the equipment and installation.
- Eligibility includes census tracks that are in a rural area or low-income area.
- Jasper Schneider, General Manager Northern Municipal Power Agency & Cassie Heide, City Administrator, City of Fosston and NMPA Director
- Jasper provided an overview of NMPA, a Joint Action Agency serving 12 municipalities in northwestern Minnesota.
- NMPA authorized a $10,000 grant for communities to partner with ZEF Energy to leverage funding sources and increase public EV chargers in NW Minnesota.
- Cassie shared how the City of Fosston used the round 2 MPCA grant to install level 2 charges near City Hall and Downtown in November, 2024. NMPA's grant helped reduce the local share costs but also used the project as an economic development tool for the community. The project did run into a few supply chain issues and workforce availability but the project has been well-received.
View the workshop recording:
View the slides and additional materials:
Slides from Peter Lindstrom coming soon!
Additional resources:
- Drive Electric MN - Charging Resources
- Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE) - Provides information, data, and tools to help fleets, fuel providers, policymakers, cities, states, Clean Cities and Communities coalitions, and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy, environmental, and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving strategies.
- Viking Electric - EV Charging Solutions
- MPCA Volkswagen Settlement Grants - see awarded, open, and upcoming grant opportunities
- Federal Tax Credit 30C: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit
- Form 8911 - Use this form to figure your credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property you placed in service during your tax year.
- 30C Tax Credit Eligibility Locator
Best Practice Actions related to this topic:
Find a full list of actions that relate to EVs/charging.
BPA 6.5 (for planning and goals) BPA 13.3 (for city/tribal fleet vehicles) BPA 13.5 (for school buses) BPA 13.6 (for transit and heavy-duty fleet)
BPA 23.5 (for public charging)
Register for upcoming GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations workshops here. You do not need to be a GreenStep community to attend.
Visit the GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program website at www.mngreenstep.org.
