While EV charging stations have sprouted up along freeways, upscale city neighborhoods, suburban strip malls, and now even rural roadways, there remain areas where finding an EV charger can still pose a challenge. In most urban landscapes, EV charging stations are rare in historically underserved neighborhoods, particularly those in low-income areas, a World Resources Institute article points out.
This post will explore what progress the nation has made in turning these EV charging deserts into oases. Then, we’ll delve into what charging companies, local governments, and residents of underserved urban communities can do to meet the EV charging needs of these neighborhoods.
Why Is There a Lack of EV Charging in Underserved Urban Neighborhoods?
With one out of every six urban residents living below the poverty line, it’s not surprising that people in economically disadvantaged areas of American cities often lack the means to purchase an EV. Since many residents in these communities can’t afford an electric vehicle, it’s less likely that EV charging companies would invest in building stations there.
Only a little more than 40% of the people living in areas of concentrated poverty (ACPs) own their homes, compared to nearly 64% of the national population, as a Freddie Mac study reported. That statistic indicates that about 60% of ACP residents live in rental housing.
The study found that more than 27% of ACP households live in multifamily rentals compared to 15.4% of U.S. households. Finding charging solutions that address the needs of both multifamily and single-family rental properties must happen before residents in underserved urban communities can reliably access EV charging near their homes.
How Can Underserved Neighborhoods Provide More EV Charging Opportunities?
An early 2024 Drive Electric paper, a publication funded by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, suggests that agencies and businesses looking to expand EV charging access in underserved communities address several key challenges:
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Multifamily developments without private parking options near each unit
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Shared driveways and parking spaces in smaller multi-unit rentals
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Housing with only on-street parking available
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The prohibitive cost of purchasing an EV
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Payment options limited to credit cards and smartphone apps
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Lengthy and costly charging station construction
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Vandalism and security concerns
Meeting these challenges will take a significant, collaborative effort. However, just as EV automakers, utilities, and charging companies have made strides in bringing EV infrastructure to rural America, they can do the same in historically overlooked urban neighborhoods through innovation, equity-focused planning, and community engagement.
The Road to Urban Electrification in Underserved Communities
Several pathways can help overcome the challenges of EV charging access in low-income urban areas. Here are some of the most promising and scalable solutions:
Install EV-Capable Infrastructure in Large Multifamily Complex Parking Lots

While EV chargers for every unit might be the ultimate goal, landlords in low-income neighborhoods may find it unfeasible in the short term. A strong starting point is to install EV-capable or EV-ready infrastructure in at least one parking space per building within a multifamily complex. As more tenants adopt EVs, property owners can gradually expand charger availability.
Provide Smaller Multi-Unit Rentals with a Charger or EV-Ready Space
As more pre-owned EVs enter the market, their prices will align more closely with used gas-powered vehicles. With their lower fuel and maintenance costs, EVs have become a viable option for cost-conscious drivers.
Owners of small rental properties can attract tenants by installing a Level 2 charger or EV-ready infrastructure in one parking spot. According to a 2023 National Multifamily Housing Council survey, 34% of prospective renters look for EV charging availability—a 7% increase over the previous year.
As more pre-owned EVs come onto the market, their prices will come close to those of used gas-powered cars. Add to that EVs’ lower fuel and maintenance costs, and these used vehicles will soon become affordable to lower-income residents.
Advocate for Curbside Charging
Installing curbside EV chargers requires coordination with local government, utilities, and residents. However, with growing EV ownership in urban communities, it becomes essential to provide charging access to residents who rely on street parking.
These installations can increase property values and reduce charging inequity. Mounting chargers on existing infrastructure like streetlights can lower costs and risks. Incorporating surveillance cameras, using “bring-your-own-cord” chargers, and installing vandal-resistant designs are all proven strategies to improve security in neighborhoods where safety is a key concern.
Make EV Ownership Feasible for Low-Income Residents

Making EV ownership practical for low-income residents requires a multipronged effort. City leaders benefit from cleaner air and fewer abandoned or broken-down vehicles on city streets, while residents benefit from lower operating costs and access to modern technology.
As an ATG Power post advises, the first step is engaging the community. Provide clear resources that explain EV benefits, tax credits, rebates, and other incentives. Work with local utilities. Many offer rebates or credits when customers purchase new or used EVs. Combined with federal, state, and local financial help, these incentives can make ownership possible.
Encourage Charging Companies to Adopt Expanded Payment Options
As the Drive Electric paper points out, EV chargers usually require digital payment methods, such as QR scans on a smartphone app or tap-to-pay options with RFID-enabled credit cards. Yet many lower-income residents lack access to these technologies.
However, through the Lifeline program, low-income residents can obtain phones, along with a minimal amount of data, as well as free or discounted talk and text messaging. Many compatible smartphone models are available, enabling owners to take advantage of EV charging apps.
But here’s the rub. As the Drive Electric paper puts it, “Nearly all current [EV charging] payment systems require the customer to have access to a credit card.” Unfortunately, lower-income drivers “are less likely to have a credit card,” the paper’s authors observed.
At least one state has found a workaround for that problem. California has created a preloaded, reloadable debit card for zero-emission vehicle drivers. This card is compatible with EV charging payment systems, allowing users to charge their cars despite having no credit cards. Other state governments, charging providers, and utility companies should join forces to create a universal option that works across state lines. It can only expand the customer base for utilities and charging companies, and will keep the state and its residents healthier in the process.
Additionally, apartment complex owners and managers can opt for charging a flat fee to their EV-owning residents. This step, too, can avoid the need for credit cards.
Save on Building Costs with Mobile Charging Solutions
Like a food truck for EVs, mobile charging stations could be a great way to bring more EV charging options into historically underserved communities. Since constructing a standalone station is so costly – purchasing real estate, permitting hassles and fees, paying architects and contractors – why not bring EV charging to abandoned gas stations or vacant lots?
Leasing and cleaning up an abandoned property to bring in a mobile or containerized charging solution on site won’t require all the costs involved with a brick-and-mortar site. These mobile EV chargers use batteries to furnish power – some of them even generate power with solar panels. Then, mobile station owners can return them to the company’s garage at the end of the day to charge for the next day.
Incorporating lighting and security cameras could make it possible to charge at night. The charging company could bring in another mobile charger while the other one charges overnight, allowing for 24/7 charging availability.
Discover How You Can Contribute to Expanding EV Access
There’s no greater need for cleaner air, efficient transportation, and investment than in communities that have long been underserved. The market is ready for charging companies and utilities that are willing to think creatively and collaboratively.
At the EV Charging Summit, you’ll hear from leaders who are pioneering strategies to expand EV charging across America’s neighborhoods. Join us and be part of the conversation and the solution.
Reserve your seat at the Summit today!