In 2020, the US Department of Energy awarded American Lung Association & Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition funding for the Twin Cities Electric Vehicle Community Mobility Network Project.
The objective of the Twin Cities Electric Vehicle Community Mobility Network Project is to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging and electric vehicles along with providing supporting outreach and education, creating a community-focused mobility network that reduces barriers to EV adoption. The project has three unique aspects:
EV Spot Charging: The charging hubs will be located on public roadways throughout Saint Paul and Minneapolis and operated by the cities. Each charging hub will be available for users to plug in the shared electric vehicles as well as for the public to charge privately owned electric vehicles.
Evie Carsharing Service: HOURCAR, a local carsharing nonprofit, will operate the new carsharing service called Evie. For the first time in the Twin Cities, this carsharing service will use a one-way, semi free-floating model.
Multifamily EV Carshare Pilot: 50 charging stations and shared electric vehicles at 25 multifamily sites.
The project will deploy electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and electric vehicles in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding suburbs. The EVSE deployments include both Level 2 chargers as well as DC fast chargers. The vehicle deployments provide a public carsharing program and dedicated carsharing access at multi-unit dwellings. The project will also host ride and drive events as well as community events to foster a community-focused EV network.
Website: EV Spot Network
Partners
City of Saint Paul
City of Minneapolis
East Metro Strong
HOURCAR
Xcel Energy
Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition