Regarding Electric Vehicles

Q: Where can comments on the EV Infrastructure Plan be directed?
A: evplan@delaware.gov

Q: What will be the proportion of Level 2 versus DC fast chargers?
A: The proportion of Level 2 chargers versus DC fast chargers needed will be estimated as part of the plan. The type of charger implemented at a specific site is dependent on-site characteristics and location, which are factors considered in the plan. Level 2 chargers can be more advantageous in some locations versus DC fast chargers and vice versa.

Q: Is the focus on Level 2 chargers or DC fast chargers?
A: This plan is forecasting the need for both charging types and in what areas it will be advantageous to have certain types of chargers available rather than simply having one type over the other.

Q: Will you prioritize DC fast chargers?
A: One of the main purposes of the EV Infrastructure Plan is to conduct an EV market analysis and to perform forecasts of EV adoption rates in Delaware. These combined will help the State understand where chargers are needed, what types of chargers and how many. The type of charger will be determined based on the location and anticipated need and where appropriate the State will recommend the installation of DC fast chargers.

Q: What is the use case for the slower Level 2 charging stations?
A: Level 2 chargers require less infrastructure and are less expensive than DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers range from $350 to $4,000 per charging port depending on use and features. DC fast chargers can cost

$50,000 - $80,000 per charging port, depending on features. Level 2 is good for home charging and in locations where the electric vehicle will be parked for a while. Fast chargers would be better for locations that typically only require a quick stop such as at a rest stop. Regarding equity, people that reside in multi- family dwellings or in locations where they park vehicles overnight on a street will need to access Level 2 charging stations because this is where their vehicle will be parked for a prolonged periods of time.

Q: Does the state plan on owning charging stations?
A: The state does not currently intend to own and operate DC fast chargers for public use. The state does own and operate several Level 2 chargers for public use that are deployed on state properties like at state parks, park and ride lots and state office buildings. These Level 2 chargers can be used by employees and visitors of state facilities and fees for electricity may apply. The state also owns Level 2 and fast charging stations for the exclusive use of its electric fleet vehicles and transit buses.

Q: Does the EV Infrastructure Plan incorporate standard commitments for location maintenance?
A: The plan will include recommendations for location maintenance that can be utilized in grant funding programs for deployment of EV charging infrastructure.

Q: Are the parameters within the modules weighted equally? Is there a higher emphasis weighted towards specific modules?
A: Parameters within the modules are not weighted equally. There is high, medium, and low priority in the modules. High priority is seen in equity and existing EV infrastructure modules. Medium priority is seen in early EV adopters and the land use modules.

Q: Do the models account for more affordable EV chargers in the future?
A: The EV adoption forecast accounts for changes in the cost of EV vehicles. Current projections estimate cost parity around 2026 or 2027 for EV vehicles compared to standard combustion engine vehicles. At this time, we are projecting increases in EV vehicle adoption.

Q: How do you define air quality in the modules?
A: Air quality in the Plan is defined by two general categories: Pollution Exposure and Asthma Rates.

• Pollution Exposure
  • We use three metrics from the EPA Environmental Justice database (https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/), which is measured in population We identify populations that exceed the 80% percentile in 1,2 or 3 categories (Diesel PM, Ozone and PM2.5).
• Asthma Rates
  • PLACES: Local Data for Better Health Census tract data 2021 (https://chronicdata.cdc.gov/500-Cities-Places/PLACES-Census-Tract-Data-GIS-Friendly-Format-2021-/mb5y-ytti) is used for current asthma rates.

Q: Why is multi-family housing considered in land use?
A: Residents of multi-family housing often face disproportionate barriers to installing charging stations at home. A primary barrier is that residents of multi-family dwellings typically are renters and as a result they are unable to contract on their own to have a charger installed at their dwelling. As result of the barriers, they often face the need to rely on a public network of charging stations.

Q: To what degree does the plan consider vehicle to grid or a presumed shift to solar energy?
A: The plan does not consider vehicle to grid or a shift to renewable energy. However, vehicle to grid capacity may be a recommendation of the plan to help EV’s contribute to grid stability.

Q: Are there plans for the state of Delaware to generate its electricity from renewable resources?
A: Delaware currently has a renewable energy portfolio standard of 40% renewables by 2035.

Q: How does this plan affect the future of electricity?
A: EVs are one piece of the puzzle. This plan will allow the state, local municipalities, and utility companies to better understand the current and future demand for EVs and prepare for it. This plan does not singularly address transmission and distribution of energy but is rather a coordinated and transparent plan for EV infrastructure development.

Q: Will charging stations be connected and receive power from the existing grid or will they be powered by a different stationary power source?
A: In general, the station will receive power from the existing grid but that does not mean there cannot be charging stations powered by other sources.

Q: Who implements DC fast charging stations?
A: DC fast charging stations, in general, are privately owned and operated. The state of Delaware is not planning to own and operate DC fast stations for public use. The state of Delaware does play a role in DC fast charging stations by preparing EV Infrastructure Plans like this one. In addition, the state will provide grant funding to incentive the deployment of charging stations of a certain type and in certain locations.

Q: What funding sources are expected in the next 24 months?
A: The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI) will provide about $18 million to DelDOT over the next five years for deployment of EV chargers. These funds will first be focused on DC fast chargers along highway corridors. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides rebates of up to 90% for purchase of Level 2 chargers deployed for public use and for business and government fleets.

Additional programs available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act can also be used for vehicle charging. State and private entities are evaluating the best ways to deploy these funds.

Q: Is DNREC planning on extending the rebates for electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment?
A: Yes, there are two funding opportunities under the Delaware Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program for public access, fleets, and workplaces as well as multi-family dwellings. The application period opened on May 1, 2023 and rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit De.gov/cleantransportation for more information.

Q: Are there incentives for multi-family dwellings, homeowner associations or management organizations?
A: Yes, there are existing incentives for owners of multi-family dwellings who install Level 2 chargers for their residents through the DNREC Clean Transportation Incentive Program. More information is available at

Q: Can a municipality apply for the funding, or does it have to be private? Is there funding to support upgrades to the grid?
A: Municipal governments are eligible for a wide variety of rebates and incentives for charging stations, as well as technical assistance.

DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program provides incentives for municipal governments to install Level 2 charging stations for public and fleet usage. Municipal governments have also been eligible for DNREC grant programs for DC fast charging stations. Milford was recently awarded funding for DC fast charging stations for its downtown area.

Municipal governments can also receive funding from Energize Delaware for electric vehicles, charging stations and technical assistance. Grants are available for up to $500,000 and can be used for feasibility studies, motorcycles, cars, trucks, vans, electric riding lawn equipment, charging stations, utility upgrades, installation, and special training for use of new EV equipment. https://www.energizedelaware.org/energize-delaware-granting-local-governments-access-to-electric-vehicles/

Q: Have covered charging stations and stations that can accommodate EV’s with a trailer attached been considered?
A: We are considering covered stations especially if the installation opportunity for solar panels arises. We have not talked about coverage for trailers, but it is something we can take into consideration. In terms of fast charging, it has been considered and has had funding opportunities.

Q: Would there be charging stations located at county and state parks, DNERR (The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve) properties, and wildlife areas?
A: Yes! There are existing programs in place that incentivize landowners at county and state parks for destination charging. These initiatives can be accessed at De.gov/cleantransportation. Destinations are a great place to put Level 2 charging stations, not just county or state-owned property but also businesses, shopping centers, etc. By way of example, three state parks have publicly available charging stations and most New Castle County Libraries have installed public Level 2 charging stations.

Q: Currently, most DC fast chargers are Tesla chargers which cannot be used by non-Tesla electric vehicles. Are Tesla chargers included in the count for existing chargers?
A: The Federal Government’s Alternative Fuel database does include data for Tesla, non-Tesla, and chargers over 50 kW. As we develop the EV Infrastructure Plan, a key goal is to ensure an adequate supply of chargers for all EV vehicles regardless of make and model.

Q: Are Tesla charging locations included in the coverage analysis?
A: Tesla charging stations are currently not included in the model being used to develop the EV Infrastructure Plan since only a select number of locations in the country offer universal charging options and are open to non-Tesla vehicles.

Q: How will the EV infrastructure Plan incorporate the Climate Action Plan and its goal to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 10% by 2030?
A: The EV Infrastructure Plan supports the Climate Action Plan by stimulating the move forward of the transition to electric vehicles. The EV Infrastructure Plan does not reduce the miles a vehicle is traveling. However, converting vehicles to electric or other zero emissions technologies is one of fastest the ways that we can reduce the carbon production from the transportation sector.

Q: Will there be incentives to charge at certain hours of the day?
A: Delmarva Power and the Delaware Electric Co-op offer programs to EV drivers that incentivize charging at off peak times. These utility companies, along with the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, have been engaged during the development of this plan. We anticipate that the results of this plan will be used by the utilities to develop future programming for EV charging.

Q: What is the status of federal and state standards for standardized plugs and methods to pay?
A: Many manufacturers are moving towards a standard for plugs and payments that will transition the network to an open network. Federal standards are pushing for EV chargers to operate on an open network.

Q: What tools are available to educate the public on EV charging?
A: A guidebook can be found at https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/transportation-program/Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Station-Installation-Guide.pdf

Q: Where can comments on the EV Infrastructure Plan be directed?
A: https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_emissions.html

Q: What will be the proportion of Level 2 versus DC fast chargers?
A: The proportion of Level 2 chargers versus DC fast chargers needed will be estimated as part of the plan. The type of charger implemented at a specific site is dependent on-site characteristics and location, which are factors considered in the plan. Level 2 chargers can be more advantageous in some locations versus DC fast chargers and vice versa.

Q: Is the focus on Level 2 chargers or DC fast chargers?
A: This plan is forecasting the need for both charging types and in what areas it will be advantageous to have certain types of chargers available rather than simply having one type over the other.

Q: Will you prioritize DC fast chargers?
A: One of the main purposes of the EV Infrastructure Plan is to conduct an EV market analysis and to perform forecasts of EV adoption rates in Delaware. These combined will help the State understand where chargers are needed, what types of chargers and how many. The type of charger will be determined based on the location and anticipated need and where appropriate the State will recommend the installation of DC fast chargers.

Q: What is the use case for the slower Level 2 charging stations?
A: Level 2 chargers require less infrastructure and are less expensive than DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers range from $350 to $4,000 per charging port depending on use and features. DC fast chargers can cost $50,000 - $80,000 per charging port, depending on features. Level 2 is good for home charging and in locations where the electric vehicle will be parked for a while. Fast chargers would be better for locations that typically only require a quick stop such as at a rest stop. Regarding equity, people that reside in multifamily dwellings or in locations where they park vehicles overnight on a street will need to access Level 2 charging stations because this is where their vehicle will be parked for a prolonged periods of time.

Q: Does the state plan on owning charging stations?
A: The state does not currently intend to own and operate DC fast chargers for public use. The state does own and operate several Level 2 chargers for public use that are deployed on state properties like at state parks, park and ride lots and state office buildings. These Level 2 chargers can be used by employees and visitors of state facilities and fees for electricity may apply. The state also owns Level 2 and fast charging stations for the exclusive use of its electric fleet vehicles and transit buses.

Q: Does the EV Infrastructure Plan incorporate standard commitments for location maintenance?
A: The plan will include recommendations for location maintenance that can be utilized in grant funding programs for deployment of EV charging infrastructure.

Q: Are the parameters within the modules weighted equally? Is there a higher emphasis weighted towards specific modules?
A: Parameters within the modules are not weighted equally. There is high, medium, and low priority in the modules. High priority is seen in equity and existing EV infrastructure modules. Medium priority is seen in early EV adopters and the land use modules.

Q: Do the models account for more affordable EV chargers in the future?
A: The EV adoption forecast accounts for changes in the cost of EV vehicles. Current projections estimate cost parity around 2026 or 2027 for EV vehicles compared to standard combustion engine vehicles. At this time, we are projecting increases in EV vehicle adoption.

Q: How do you define air quality in the modules?
A: Air quality in the Plan is defined by two general categories: Pollution Exposure and Asthma Rates.

• Pollution Exposure
  We use three metrics from the EPA Environmental Justice database (https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/), which is measured in population percentiles. We identify populations that exceed the 80% percentile in 1,2 or 3 categories (Diesel PM, Ozone and PM2.5).
• Asthma Rates
• PLACES: Local Data for Better Health Census tract data 2021 (https://chronicdata.cdc.gov/500-Cities-Places/PLACES-Census-Tract-Data-GIS-FriendlyFormat-2021-/mb5y-ytti) is used for current asthma rates.

Q: Why is multi-family housing considered in land use?
A: Residents of multi-family housing often face disproportionate barriers to installing charging stations at home. A primary barrier is that residents of multi-family dwellings typically are renters and as a result they are unable to contract on their own to have a charger installed at their dwelling. As result of the barriers, they often face the need to rely on a public network of charging stations.

Q: To what degree does the plan consider vehicle to grid or a presumed shift to solar energy?
A: The plan does not consider vehicle to grid or a shift to renewable energy. However, vehicle to grid capacity may be a recommendation of the plan to help EV’s contribute to grid stability.

Q: Are there plans for the state of Delaware to generate its electricity from renewable resources?
A: Delaware currently has a renewable energy portfolio standard of 40% renewables by 2035.

Q: How does this plan affect the future of electricity?
A: EVs are one piece of the puzzle. This plan will allow the state, local municipalities, and utility companies to better understand the current and future demand for EVs and prepare for it. This plan does not singularly address transmission and distribution of energy but is rather a coordinated and transparent plan for EV infrastructure development.

Q: Will charging stations be connected and receive power from the existing grid or will they be powered by a different stationary power source?
A: In general, the station will receive power from the existing grid but that does not mean there cannot be charging stations powered by other sources.

Q: Who implements DC fast charging stations?
A: DC fast charging stations, in general, are privately owned and operated. The state of Delaware is not planning to own and operate DC fast stations for public use. The state of Delaware does play a role in DC fast charging stations by preparing EV Infrastructure Plans like this one. In addition, the state will provide grant funding to incentive the deployment of charging stations of a certain type and in certain locations.

Q: What funding sources are expected in the next 24 months?
A: The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI) will provide about $18 million to DelDOT over the next five years for deployment of EV chargers. These funds will first be focused on DC fast chargers along highway corridors. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides rebates of up to 90% for purchase of Level 2 chargers deployed for public use and for business and government fleets.
Additional programs available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act can also be used for vehicle charging. State and private entities are evaluating the best ways to deploy these funds.

Q: Is DNREC planning on extending the rebates for electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment?
A: Yes, there are two funding opportunities under the Delaware Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program for public access, fleets, and workplaces as well as multi-family dwellings. The application period opened on May 1, 2023 and rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit De.gov/cleantransportation for more information.

Q: Are there incentives for multi-family dwellings, homeowner associations or management organizations?
A: Yes, there are existing incentives for owners of multi-family dwellings who install Level 2 chargers for their residents through the DNREC Clean Transportation Incentive Program. More information is available at

Q: Can a municipality apply for the funding, or does it have to be private? Is there funding to support upgrades to the grid?
A: Municipal governments are eligible for a wide variety of rebates and incentives for charging stations, as well as technical assistance
DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program provides incentives for municipal governments to install Level 2 charging stations for public and fleet usage. Municipal governments have also been eligible for DNREC grant programs for DC fast charging stations. Milford was recently awarded funding for DC fast charging stations for its downtown area
Municipal governments can also receive funding from Energize Delaware for electric vehicles, charging stations and technical assistance. Grants are available for up to $500,000 and can be used for feasibility studies, motorcycles, cars, trucks, vans, electric riding lawn equipment, charging stations, utility upgrades, installation, and special training for use of new EV equipment. https://www.energizedelaware.org/energizedelaware-granting-local-governments-access-to-electric-vehicles/

Q: Have covered charging stations and stations that can accommodate EV’s with a trailer attached been considered?
A: We are considering covered stations especially if the installation opportunity for solar panels arises. We have not talked about coverage for trailers, but it is something we can take into consideration. In terms of fast charging, it has been considered and has had funding opportunities.

Q: Would there be charging stations located at county and state parks, DNERR (The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve) properties, and wildlife areas?
A: Yes! There are existing programs in place that incentivize landowners at county and state parks for destination charging. These initiatives can be accessed at De.gov/cleantransportation. Destinations are a great place to put Level 2 charging stations, not just county or state-owned property but also businesses, shopping centers, etc. By way of example, three state parks have publicly available charging stations and most New Castle County Libraries have installed public Level 2 charging stations.

Q: Currently, most DC fast chargers are Tesla chargers which cannot be used by non-Tesla electric vehicles. Are Tesla chargers included in the count for existing chargers?
A: The Federal Government’s Alternative Fuel database does include data for Tesla, non-Tesla, and chargers over 50 kW. As we develop the EV Infrastructure Plan, a key goal is to ensure an adequate supply of chargers for all EV vehicles regardless of make and model.

Q: Are Tesla charging locations included in the coverage analysis?
A: Tesla charging stations are currently not included in the model being used to develop the EV Infrastructure Plan since only a select number of locations in the country offer universal charging options and are open to non-Tesla vehicles.

Q: How will the EV infrastructure Plan incorporate the Climate Action Plan and its goal to reduce vehicle miles traveled by 10% by 2030?
A: The EV Infrastructure Plan supports the Climate Action Plan by stimulating the move forward of the transition to electric vehicles. The EV Infrastructure Plan does not reduce the miles a vehicle is traveling. However, converting vehicles to electric or other zero emissions technologies is one of fastest the ways that we can reduce the carbon production from the transportation sector.

Q: Will there be incentives to charge at certain hours of the day?
A: Delmarva Power and the Delaware Electric Co-op offer programs to EV drivers that incentivize charging at off peak times. These utility companies, along with the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, have been engaged during the development of this plan. We anticipate that the results of this plan will be used by the utilities to develop future programming for EV charging.

Q: What is the status of federal and state standards for standardized plugs and methods to pay?
A: Many manufacturers are moving towards a standard for plugs and payments that will transition the network to an open network. Federal standards are pushing for EV chargers to operate on an open network.

Q: What tools are available to educate the public on EV charging?
A: A guidebook can be found at https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/transportation-program/ElectricVehicle-Charging-Station-Installation-Guide.pdf.

Regarding Electric Vehicles:

Q: What is the Justice40 Initiative?
A: The Justice40 Initiative is included in President Biden’s Executive Order 14008, and it establishes the goal that 40% of the overall benefits from specific federal investments must be experienced by disadvantaged communities (DACs). The NEVI formula program is one of these such investments, therefore Delaware’s NEVI plan will include details of how 40% of the benefits from the incoming federal funds will go to DACs.

Q: How is DelDOT incorporating the Justice40 initiative into the plans?
A: DelDOT and partners DNREC, AECOM, and Pennoni are keeping equity at the forefront of EV infrastructure conversations. Using data regarding poverty, income levels, demographics, and environmental justice, disadvantaged communities are being identified and prioritized appropriately.

Q: What exactly will the NEVI federal funding be spent on?
A: Destinations of funding include construction costs of new EV charging stations, on-site renewable energy generation and storage, on-site transformers/electrical equipment, upgrades to electric grid equipment, repairs/upgrades/replacement of existing EV charging stations, EV charging workforce development, pre-construction environmental review, and preliminary engineering.

Q: What is workforce development and how is it related to EVs?
A: As the EV industry grows, we need to make sure that our workforce is equipped to install charging stations, repair/maintain the vehicles, etc. DelDOT is in conversation with the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to ensure that our workforce will be properly qualified for this transition.

Q: I know that DE is experiencing issues with flooding and sea level rise. How are these issues being considered in the NEVI and statewide plans?
A: Sea level rise is being considered in DelDOT’s conversations with partners, mapping analysis, and both plans. Alternative Fuel Corridors (as seen on the NEVI Guidelines page) primarily include resilient roads without current drainage concerns.

Q: Are there any tax credits/rebates for purchasing an electric vehicle?
A: The Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is a cash rebate serving as an incentive for Delawareans to buy or lease new alternative fuel vehicles.

Q: How much money will I save if I buy an electric vehicle?
A: According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, drivers can save as much as $14,500 in fuel costs over 15 years by switching to an electric vehicle. Estimates suggest that exclusively charging at the DC fast chargers that DE plans to build will cost $0.18 per kWh.

Q: How significantly will driving an EV contribute to carbon emission reduction?
A: According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, a gasoline car emits an average of 11,435 lbs of CO2 equivalent per year. An all-electric vehicle emits 3,932 lbs of CO2 equivalent per year. While electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, there are certain emissions associated with electricity generation. As investment in EV charging infrastructure grows, these processes will become even more efficient, and the electricity grid will continue to become cleaner.

Q: How far can I drive without charging my EV?
A: New EVs can travel about 250 miles on a full charge, although there are some Teslas that can go around 350 miles without needing a recharge.

Q: How long will it take to charge my EV?
A: Right now, the DC fast chargers that DE plans on implementing provide a full charge in 20-30 minutes. As investment increases, these chargers will only become faster and more productive.