“FHWA is working to expand the nation’s EV charging network to guarantee that every American can reliably and accessibly fuel their trips, no matter where they live,” said Acting Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Gloria M. Shepherd. “The grants announced today will continue this important work by investing in alternative fueling infrastructure in communities, creating economic opportunities, and advancing equity in EV charging by ensuring all Americans can share the benefits of an electrified future.”
 
The funding will enable the installation of chargers at 6 FSCJ campuses and 4 City of Jacksonville (COJ) public sites. These chargers will be publicly accessible, providing vital support to residents, students, and visitors. The expansion of this EV infrastructure will mark a 62.5% increase in the city’s existing network of chargers and is a crucial step toward supporting Jacksonville’s broader sustainability goals.

“I was thrilled to receive a call from U.S Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg congratulating Jacksonville on this exciting grant. We are taking a bold step toward creating a greener, healthier city,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “This project is about more than just installing chargers—it’s about leading on the technologies that will drive our future and make clean, sustainable transportation accessible to everyone. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, we are improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring that all Jacksonville residents, no matter their neighborhood, can benefit from a cleaner city.”

The initiative also aligns with the goals of the EPA funded, Clean Air Northeast Florida Priority Climate Action Plan, which identifies EV adoption as a key strategy for reducing regional emissions and improving air quality. Transportation is responsible for approximately 40% of Northeast Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the region’s largest contributor to air pollution. This highlights the urgent need for accessible, reliable EV charging infrastructure to help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
 
Jacksonville, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, has seen a rapid rise in electric vehicle adoption. With more than 13,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) registered in Duval County, the need for accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure is more pressing than ever. The Duval County Phase 1 EV Charging Initiative aims to ensure that the city’s EV infrastructure keeps pace with this growth and eliminates barriers to EV adoption.
 
JEA will provide in-kind support for the infrastructure’s utility connections, materials and transformers. “This will support JEA’s commitment to sustainability and our community’s growing interest in electric vehicles,” said JEA CEO and Managing Director Vickie Cavey. “Current EV drivers will benefit, and this will help increase EV adoption in Jacksonville.”
 
The initiative will also create job opportunities through the involvement of FSCJ, which provides workforce development opportunities, ensuring that local residents can access training programs and apprenticeship opportunities that align with the region’s clean energy goals.
 
“We are excited to be a sub awardee and support the City of Jacksonville’s efforts to expand EV infrastructure,” said Dr. John Avendano, President of Florida State College at Jacksonville. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to promoting sustainability and workforce development, and we look forward to collaborating with the city and JEA on this important project.”
 
The Duval County Phase 1 EV Charging Initiative will be implemented over three years, focusing on site preparation, charger installation, and community outreach. Once completed, the project will expand access to sustainable transportation, particularly in disadvantaged communities, while supporting the region’s climate action objectives.
 
“We are grateful for the support of our community partners and subject matter experts who made this project possible,” said Ashantae Green, City of Jacksonville Sustainability Manager. “Their expertise has been essential in securing this grant, which will expand access to EV chargers, reduce range anxiety and increase EV adoption within our community.”
 
We extend our thanks to Miller Electric Company, Edward Waters University, Feeding Northeast Florida, Florida Department of Transportation, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, North Florida Clean Fuels Coalition, North Florida Transportation Planning Organization and many city departments for their expertise and guidance throughout the grant application process.
 
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving nearly one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Randy White. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov. 
 
About JEA
JEA is a municipal utility providing safe, reliable and affordable services to more than one million residents across four Northeast Florida counties.  JEA is not owned by investors and does not earn a profit. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to meet the electricity and water needs of those who live in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,200-plus workforce is dedicated to meeting customers’ needs, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development. Learn more at jea.com. 
 
About FSCJ
Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide equitable, high quality, success-driven learning experiences for our diverse community of students. Serving more than 40,000 students and awarding 5,000 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.