Summary
Curious about how public and private partnerships are shaping the future of EV charging and clean transportation? In this special episode of Grid Connections, recorded live at the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas, we sit down with Jane McCurry (Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan), Tom McCalmont (CEO, Paired Power), and Stacey Simms (Senior Director, Clean Fuels and Infrastructure at CALSTART) to explore how states are stepping up as federal funding wavers, where real progress is happening in multifamily and fleet charging, and why microgrids and smart financing are critical to scaling infrastructure. Whether you're in policy, fleet management, or just EV-curious, this episode is packed with actionable insights, state-level success stories, and bold ideas driving clean mobility forward.
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Takeaways:

1. State-Level EV Programs Are Filling Federal Gaps
   States like Michigan, Colorado, and California are launching innovative funding and policy initiatives to keep EV infrastructure projects moving despite federal uncertainty.
2. Multifamily Housing Is the Next Frontier for EV Charging
   With growing demand, new public-private programs are targeting apartment and condo dwellers to expand access to overnight EV charging.
3. Microgrids and Solar-Powered EV Chargers Offer Grid Resilience
   Combining solar, storage, and managed charging is proving essential for deploying EV charging in grid-constrained or remote areas.
4. Fleet Electrification Needs Tailored Messaging and Financing Tools
   Education, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and new financing models are critical to converting light-duty and municipal fleets.
5. Ride-and-Drive Events Are Driving EV Adoption
   Getting drivers behind the wheel remains one of the most effective strategies for boosting consumer and fleet confidence in EVs.
6. Collaboration Across State Agencies Accelerates Deployment
   Cross-agency coordination—between energy offices, DOTs, and air quality boards—is helping streamline EV infrastructure rollouts.
7. Innovative Financing Models Like Pay-As-You-Save Are Gaining Traction
   Creative solutions are emerging to help public agencies and property owners overcome upfront costs and invest in long-term electrification.

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NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging