Why Does EV Charger Energization Efficiency Matter & What Challenges Can Local Government Address?

The U.S. will need nearly 28 million charging ports by 2030 to meet projected EV adoption – a massive expansion from today’s charging network. Local governments play a critical role in ensuring this infrastructure can be deployed quickly and efficiently. Complex permitting processes, outdated zoning regulations, and limited internal expertise can create significant delays and costs that slow EV charger deployment – but these are challenges local governments are uniquely positioned to solve.

Building upon a technical report developed by EPRI and IREC, and insights from IREC’s Charging Smart program, the new free “EV Charger Energization Roadmap for Local Governments” course provides local government staff and stakeholders with practical strategies to streamline the energization process, from clarifying permit requirements to collaborating effectively with utilities. It’s packed with best practices, real-world insights, and actionable steps you can implement in your community. This course is part of the “Accelerating EV Charger Energization” bundle.

Watch the video below to learn more about why EV charger energization efficiency matters and the key challenges local governments can address.

Transcript below.

Let’s start with the big picture.  Consumer interest in electric vehicles is growing rapidly and more drivers are making the switch every year.  That shift brings with it a rising need for convenient, reliable charging. To meet this growing demand, we’ll need a much larger charger network. Everything from fast chargers along highways to level one or two chargers and homes, workplaces and public spaces.  

At the same time, many states and local governments have set goals to expand EV access and support transportation options that work for their residents. These efforts add urgency to getting chargers deployed quickly and efficiently. 

It’s not just about hardware. Soft costs like permitting, delays, unclear zoning or slow utility coordination can all add time and expense to projects. Improving the energization process helps reduce these costs, speed up deployment, and make EV charging more accessible to consumers and communities alike. Well, the bottom line is – the faster and smoother we make this process, the better prepared we’ll be to keep up with the demand and support drivers who are ready to plug in.

 There are several key challenges in the EV charger modernization process that local governments are uniquely positioned to address. 

First, complex, unclear, or lengthy permitting processes are often cited as a major pain point. These can slow projects down and frustrate applicants. 

Second, outdated or unclear zoning regulations can create confusion, especially for developers working across multiple jurisdictions. When zoning rules aren’t aligned with modern EV infrastructure needs, they add unnecessary complexity and delays. 

Third, limited staff expertise in EV charging infrastructure can lead to longer review times and inconsistent or unclear guidance for applicants. 

In many cases, local zoning and development requirements were not designed with EV charging in mind; without updated, clearly articulated guidance projects may require involvement for multiple municipal departments, such as the zoning board and planning staff, making the process more cumbersome and resource intensive. 

By proactively addressing these challenges, streamlining permitting, clarifying zoning requirements, and building internal expertise, you can reduce delays, ease the burden on staff time and support more efficient process overall. Ultimately, these improvements help position your jurisdiction as a leader in expanding EV charging access.