Upcoming EV-Related Events
Seminole Tribe of Florida Renewable Energy & Sustainability 7th Annual Conference, Hollywood, Florida, Jan. 27–29, 2025
The 7th Annual Seminole Tribe of Florida Renewable Energy and Sustainability Conference will focus on the newly changing landscape for Tribal energy development and sustainability, including best practices, federal leadership, policy and regulatory changes, funding for projects, and project planning/development trends. The conference will give Tribes and First Nations an opportunity to explore the range of renewable energy and sustainability opportunities that exist and how to start the process.
Tribal Energy Equity Summit, St. Paul, Minnesota, May 5–8, 2025
Interactive conversations on vital subjects such as energy access, interconnection challenges, and overcoming financial barriers will be led by expert Native facilitators. Leading Tribal and industry experts will host conversations on long-term energy planning, innovative financing, and leveraging beneficial tax legislation. The summit, hosted by the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, aims to foster listening and learning for all attendees and the cultivation of partnership opportunities that are beneficial for Tribes.
Tribal EV Funding Opportunities
Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), DOT, Federal Highway Administration
Tribal governments interested in EV infrastructure can apply through their state for FLAP funding for charging infrastructure and transportation planning. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, light-duty vehicle charging, public transportation charging, commercial charging infrastructure planning, workforce development, and vehicle acquisition.
The next request for proposals for Alaska will be in January 2025.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and renewable energy systems to offset costs associated with agricultural production and processing. Section 17 corporations, Tribally owned corporations and enterprises that qualify as small businesses, Tribal agriculture operations, and Tribal member-owned businesses are eligible for assistance under this program. Eligible applicants may utilize the program to assist with installation of EV charging stations and other EV-related projects as part of renewable energy system improvements.
For example, an eligible Tribal enterprise (e.g., a travel center owned by a Tribal Section 17 corporation) could use part of a REAP grant/guaranteed loan to install EV charging stations as part of a grant/guaranteed loan financed project where the primary purpose is to install a solar array. However, that same applicant could not receive a grant or guaranteed loan to only install EV charging stations at the travel center.
Application deadlines: Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Tribes may utilize the program to install EV charging stations as a component of a larger community facility build or refurbishment. Eligible activities include EVs purchased for essential community services by public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes; municipal EV charging stations for vehicle fleets and for use in rural municipal parking lots; and EV charging stations for use at rural community facilities including hospitals, medical clinics, schools, colleges, libraries, and town halls, among others.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Tax Credits for EVs Eligible for Elective Pay, Internal Revenue Service
The Inflation Reduction Act authorized “elective pay,” which allows tax-exempt and governmental entities such as Tribes that do not owe federal income taxes to be able to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects or making qualifying investments. Two tax credits exist for both vehicles and charging infrastructure:
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Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles: For purchasers of commercial clean vehicles. Credit amount up to $40,000 (maximum $7,500 for vehicles <14,000 lb).
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Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: For alternative fuel vehicle refueling and charging property, located in low-income and nonurban areas. Qualified fuels include electricity, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and biodiesel.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Call for Tribal Nations Feedback for EV Resources and Technical Assistance
The Joint Office invites Tribal Nations to submit specific needs for resources and technical assistance that would assist in their EV and transportation goals and deployment. Please visit the Joint Office Concierge for Tribal Nations Technical Assistance to submit your requests, including requests for resources such as educational opportunities, webinars, and help sheets.
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