The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Level 2 Workplace Program rebates under Phase 2 of the VW Settlement. The RFP details how employers can apply for the $489,544 available to fund the installation of light-duty zero-emission (ZEV) Level 2 charging stations for their employee or fleet vehicles. 

The application will open in the DAQ Grants Management System on July 25, 2022, while a PDF version of the  application is now available on the program webpage for applicants to prepare all required materials in preparation for the online application. Applicants are encouraged to register for access to the Grants Management System prior to July 25. 

Eligible applicants include local and federal government agencies and nonprofits or private employers with at least 5 or more year-round and full-time employees or with at least one electric vehicle in their organization’s fleet. Rebates will reimburse workplaces up to 60% of the cost to install new Level 2  chargers for a maximum rebate of $25,000. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis to qualifying applicants until funds are exhausted.

A webinar will be held on June 20, 2022 to review the Grants Management System and an informational webinar will be held on June 27, 2022 to discuss the Level 2 Workplace Program RFP. Information regarding applications, eligibility and registration for webinars can be found here. 

With additional questions please contact daq.NC_VWGrants@ncdenr.gov

The Level 2 Workplace Program is the final funding program of Phase 2 of the VW Settlement. 

Living near highways, traffic, and other sources of harmful air emissions disproportionately affects historically overburdened communities and results in worse health outcomes such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and much more. Getting more electric vehicles on the road in and around these communities presents the opportunity to improve health outcomes by reducing emissions. 

While the Historic West End has a gas station just around nearly every corner, there are only two charging stations in the community. By working with The City of Charlotte, UNCC EPIC, Centralina Regional Council, and others, the Historic West End is beginning to equip itself with more EV infrastructure to enjoy the economic, health, and sustainable benefits EVs bring. The recent PoleVolt Project has encouraged drivers, local businesses and governments to embrace EVs and the benefits they bring.