Charge Up Fairfax
Here are the key steps for a community association to get involved in the Charge Up Fairfax Program:
- Application: Community associations need to apply through the Charge Up Fairfax webpage. The application is free.
- Site Visit: Once accepted, a team of experts visits the site to understand the layout and any challenges. They look at power sources and other conditions to create a feasibility study.
- Feasibility Study: This study includes all findings, estimated costs and project timelines. It’s provided free of charge to the community.
- Installation: Based on the study, communities can start installing the charging stations. They might choose a single-port charger for one car or a dual-port charger for two cars.
- Reimbursement: After installation, communities can get partial grant reimbursements. Up to $5,000 is available, or up to $10,000 for communities in higher vulnerability areas.
How to Apply
Community associations interested in participating can apply through Nov. 8, 2024. The program will accept up to eight communities in this round.
To apply, complete our online application. Community associations are encouraged to survey community residents about their interest in EV charging and assess potential charging station costs and locations near power sources.
“Most communities are seeing estimates right around $20,000,” Gurnee notes regarding installation costs. “If you have to go under sidewalks, to run power under sidewalks, under parking lots, things like that, that’s going to increase your price.”
Selection Criteria
The county evaluates applications based on several factors, including:
- Available community funding
- Resident support
- Suitable location with nearby power sources
- Research and preparation
- Community impact, especially for residents without access to private charging
The Charge Up Fairfax program supports Fairfax County’s Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, which aims to have electric vehicles make up 15% of county vehicle registrations by 2030. Currently, EVs represent about 2% of registered vehicles in the county.
Charge Up Fairfax focuses on Level 2 charging stations, which can typically charge an EV from 0% to 80% in 4-10 hours, though most drivers don’t need a full charge daily. This is faster than Level 1 charging (standard household outlet) but slower than Level 3 (super-fast) charging stations.
For more information about the Charge Up Fairfax program, email OEECElectricVehicles@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit the program webpage.
The County Conversation Podcast
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Listen to past episodes of “County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.