The Charge Up Fairfax program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis! The program is designed to help common-interest communities and other organizations install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, improving local air quality and driving us toward a more sustainable future.

This year, the program has introduced three key changes:

• Applications are now being accepted continuously, making it easier than ever to participate.
• Reimbursement grant amounts have been increased, offering greater financial support for those looking to install EV charging stations.
• Eligibility has expanded beyond homeowner and condo owner associations to include places of worship and other non-profit organizations, recognizing their critical role in providing EV charging access to staff and guests while attending services or events. 

With these changes, more organizations can now benefit from technical and financial assistance to install EV charging stations.

“EVs have no tailpipe emissions which means cleaner air to breathe along roadways and in neighborhoods and fewer greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change”, said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “By making EV charging more accessible, we are taking a significant step toward our goal for carbon neutrality by 2050 and for a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax for all.” 

“We look forward to seeing more communities and organizations join us in this important effort." 

Since the program's inception in 2023, 16 communities have participated in the program. Four communities have successfully completed their charging station installations, with the two most recent groups being:

• Westwood Village Unit Owners Association, Vienna: Installed two dual-port chargers and are eligible to receive a $5,000 reimbursement. 
• Reflection Homes Association, Herndon: As the first community located in an equity-designated area, RHA received a $10,000 reimbursement to install a dual-port charging station.

These installations mark significant milestones in the county's ongoing efforts to encourage EV adoption by expanding community EV charging infrastructure.

Michael H., president of Reflection Homes Association and an EV owner, said the funding and technical guidance provided by the program were key in convincing the board to consider installing EV chargers. He said the installation of chargers will help incentivize more residents of the neighborhood to consider buying an EV, which is good for the environment.

Penderbrook Community Association in Springfield District was another recent success story — installing 4 dual port chargers for their community of over 1,700 single family homes, townhouses and condos. Not only is it a significant benefit to the residents, but it is also an amenity for the guests who use the HOA’s golf course, said David Braun, president of the board of directors.

Braun said the Charge Up Fairfax program was particularly instrumental in helping the community navigate the regulatory process and coordinate with the various stakeholders.

“Having someone that could shepherd us through that was really important to us, and we felt like Fairfax County was a good partner,” Braun said.

Organizations interested in applying for the Charge Up Fairfax program can now do so. The program offers flexible options, including a grant-only program, a full-service program, and a combination with Dominion Energy’s Level 2 EV Charging Program, to suit the diverse needs of applicants.

Organizations that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by Fairfax County. If the organization decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, the organization will hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection. 

For more information about the Charge Up Fairfax program, application details, and to sign up for updates, please visit the website or email OEECElectricVehicles@fairfaxcounty.gov