ElectricNationTM is a Native-led public-private partnership addressing plug-in electric vehicle (EV) barriers for Tribal members in the Upper Midwest. The partnership was created as part of the Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal EV Charging Community Network, a three-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) and awarded to Native Sun Community Power Development, and co-led with Standing Rock Renewable Energy Power Authority (SAGE).
Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition (MC3) and North Dakota Clean Cities (NDCC) are proud partners of the Electric Nation project.
Electric Nation connects Tribal Nations with essential regional services to promote a clean energy economy, benefitting members and fleets of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Red Lake Nation, and 21 additional Native Nations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Project goals
By deploying commercial, passenger, and transit EVs, as well as related equipment, Electric Nation is working to test and demonstrate the efficacy of these vehicles in rural areas while catalyzing energy self-determination and creating new job opportunities in Tribal Communities. Electric Nation is working to expand access to the benefits of electrified transportation to more Tribal members, while also increasing public awareness and familiarity with clean transportation options.
This project aims to create a sustainable ecosystem and expand Tribal use of EVs across the Upper Midwest by:
- Providing equitable access to clean, affordable transportation in multi-family housing and rural, underserved Tribal communities.
- Installing 59 DC fast charging units on Reservations and their vital travel routes to common destinations.
- Installing 63 Level 2 EV supply equipment points at community gathering spots, multi-family dwellings, Tribal colleges, and other destinations.
- Deploying 16 light-duty electric vehicles, an electric shuttle, and two electric school buses.
- Developing two new workforce training programs for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Red Lake Nation members.
- Engaging in 52 events to engage and educate Tribal members, auto dealership sales staff, and first responders.
- Documenting energy savings, emissions reductions, and EVs’ impact on Tribal members.
Project partners
- Native Sun Community Power Development
- Standing Rock Renewable Energy Power Authority (SAGE)
- American Lung Association
- Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
- Connexus Capital
- eFormative Options
- Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition
- North Dakota Clean Cities
With additional project support from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power, Xcel Energy, and ZEF Energy.