Electric Vehicles
Are you an electric vehicle owner or looking to learn more about electric vehicles in general? The City of Norfolk is here to provide environmental and economical resources to residents, businesses and visitors.
What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses an electric motor powered by a battery rather than by a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine. Just like combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles come in many shapes and sizes, including sedans, trucks, SUVs, and buses.
Benefits of EVs
Combustion engine vehicles produce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and poor air quality. In 2022, combustion engine vehicle transportation produced 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions warm the earth and put our community more at risk for flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather events. When fuel such as gasoline or diesel is burned to power vehicles, it also releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air we breathe.
Unlike combustion engine vehicles, EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions. As more community members drive electric vehicles, we can greatly improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint.
Switching to an electric vehicle can also save you money in the long run. Replacing one combustion engine vehicle with an electric vehicle could save your household approximately $500 - $1000 a year in fuel costs. Electric vehicles also tend to have lower maintenance costs.
Why Choose EV?
Fuel-powered vehicles produce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and poor air quality. In 2022, fuel-powered vehicle transportation produced 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions warm the earth and put our community more at risk for flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather events. When fuel such as gasoline or diesel is burned to power vehicles, it also releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air we breathe.
Unlike fuel-powered vehicles, EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions. As more community members drive electric vehicles, we can greatly improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint.
Switching to an electric vehicle can also save you money in the long run. Replacing one gas-powered car with an electric vehicle could save your household approximately $500 - $1000 a year in fuel costs. Electric vehicles also tend to have lower maintenance costs.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Map
If you are a current electric vehicle driver, or looking to purchase one, there are charging stations throughout Norfolk. Charging stations can be found in parking garages, gas stations, and private businesses.
If you are a current electric vehicle driver, or looking to purchase one, there are charging stations available throughout Norfolk for your use. Charging stations can be found in Norfolk parking garages, at gas stations, and outside of private businesses.
The City of Norfolk's Sustainability Office has engaged the Cadmus Group, a consulting firm, to conduct the Norfolk Electric Vehicle Charging Plan to prepare for how EVs may impact our community, with a focus on where charging stations may be located to serve our residents.
The Plan does not commit the City to installing, owning or operating any chargers or purchasing any EVs, but will instead help clarify questions about the future of EVs in Norfolk. The Plan addresses EV topics such as:
- Total number of projected EVs in Norfolk in 2030 and beyond.
- Number of chargers needed across Norfolk to meet EV needs.
- Locations where charging demand will be greatest.
- Strategies for increasing access to apartment-dwelling residents.
- Equity-based installation programs for communities with limited access.
- Training and workforce development.
- Identification of funding sources and incentives to help reduce the cost of EVs for Norfolk residents and businesses.
- Assessment of impacts to electricity demand and potential flood risks.
The final report has establish a vision, goals and clearly defined roles for the City, the private sector and the community to implement strategies that facilitate increased deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the City of Norfolk in an equitable manner.
Read City of Norfolk Electric Vehicle Charging Plan (PDF) or click on the image below.
Incentives
Residential Charging
Inflation Reduction Act Clean Vehicle Credit: If you bought a new, qualifying plug-in electric vehicle or fuel-cell vehicle in 2023 or after, you may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to claim the credit.
Dominion Energy EV Charger Rewards: Through this program, Dominion offers single-family residential customers incentives, including $125 toward a qualifying EV charger and an annual enrollment rebate of $40, when residents allow Dominion to pause charging of their vehicle during periods of high electric demand.
Installing an EV Charger
Currently, the encroachment process is required for City Council to formally grant permission for placement of any object in the right of way including electric vehicle chargers (Section 42.10b).
- Permit Application
- Application for Encroachment
- Design Review Process
- Certificate of Appropriateness Process (specifically for Historic Districts)
Commercial Resources
Dominion Energy Level 2 Charging Program: Through this program, Dominion will install and maintain Level 2 charging stations for your business, parking area, or multi-family community. Customers participating in the Level 2 Charging Program receive a 50% upfront incentive on EV charging construction and installation, commonly referred to as “make-ready.” Customers pay the remaining costs on their monthly bill over 10 years.
EV Capacity Map | Dominion EnergyAdditional Resources
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Plan
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common in Norfolk, and the number of EVs is expected to increase over time. The City of Norfolk's Sustainability Office is undertaking a study to prepare for how EVs may impact our community, with a focus on where charging stations may be located to serve our residents.
The electric vehicle study will not commit the City to installing, owning or operating any chargers or purchasing any EVs, but will instead help clarify questions about the future of EVs in Norfolk. The study will address EV topics such as:
- Total number of projected EVs in Norfolk in 2030 and beyond
- Number of chargers needed across Norfolk to meet EV needs
- Locations where charging demand will be greatest
- Strategies for increasing access to apartment-dwelling residents
- Equity-based installation programs for communities with limited access
- Training and workforce development
- Identification of funding sources and incentives to help reduce the cost of EVs for Norfolk residents and businesses
- Assessment of impacts to electricity demand and potential flood risks