Duluth's Future-Ready: Expanding EV Charging for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Duluth, Minnesota, is preparing for an increase in electric vehicles (EVs), in line with national estimates that predict the need for a comprehensive charging network to support nearly 33 million EVs by 2030. This effort is part of a wider initiative to make the shift to electric vehicles fair and accessible across the United States. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has teamed up with Duluth to improve the local EV infrastructure, identifying the city as a key location for community-focused solutions.

The partnership between NREL and Duluth is part of the Communities LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. This program helps communities, especially those with low incomes or high energy costs, speed up their move to clean energy. Duluth receives technical support to better its local energy strategies, which focus on building efficiency, clean transportation, and economic growth.

Duluth is working on expanding its EV charging infrastructure to meet the expected needs by 2030. NREL's analysis indicates that 10%–15% of all light-duty vehicles in Duluth will be plug-in electric vehicles by then. This forecast is consistent with state and national trends showing a rise in EV use. To prepare, Duluth is upgrading its charging facilities to ensure sufficient charging options are available for the community.

Duluth has also passed a new ordinance that requires any new parking lot for multifamily housing to include EV charging stations or EV-ready spaces. This law is designed to improve access to and fairness in EV charging facilities, making sure that residents of apartments and townhouses have dependable charging options.

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