"We cannot effectively combat climate change without prioritising equity in both EV availability and EV charging infrastructure," said Louis Tremblay, Flo president and CEO. "Unfortunately, many low-income and historically underserved communities, as highlighted by the Justice40 initiative, lack essential EV charging infrastructure, which must come first. At Flo, equity is a core principle driving our approach, ensuring EV drivers have access to reliable charging regardless of where they live. This, coupled with more affordable EVs which achieve price parity with ICE vehicles, will help expand the number of EVs on our roads."
Launched by President Biden, the Justice40 Initiative, directs 40% of the benefits of specified government programs to disadvantaged communities. Flo has deployed chargers in Justice40 areas across several cities including New York City; Los Angeles; North Hollywood, Calif.; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Cincinnati; Tacoma, Wash.; Seattle; Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Indianapolis; Dayton, Ohio; Seiling, Okla.; Calumet, Okla. and other U.S. cities.
Recently, the company co-sponsored legislation in California, the Equitable EV Charging Act, to increase communities' access to overnight charging, especially multi-family housing residents, by establishing clearer permitting processes and siting criteria for curbside chargers.
"Equity data paints a concerning picture. Residents from lower-income backgrounds, including Black, African American, Hispanic, or Latino communities, often find home charging out of reach," said Tremblay. "Curbside and public level 2 charging stations, like those found in our Justice40 deployments, go far in offering a fair transition to EVs for everyone."
