Plug In Alexandria supports multi-family communities with the installation of common or shared EV charging infrastructure. The diagram below outlines the process for multi-family communities that apply and are selected to participate in the Plug In Alexandria program, and each step is described further below.

Step 1 – Apply to Plug In Alexandria  

Multi-family communities in the City of Alexandria apply for the Plug In Alexandria program. The City will accept applications on a rolling basis, and will evaluate applications every 8 weeks, as funding allows.  

The City will evaluate applications based on compliance with the program requirements, commitment to installing EV chargers, readiness to implement the project, and impact of the proposed EV charger installation.  

If an applicant is not selected for the program, the applicant will have the opportunity for a debrief with City staff, and can re-submit their application, as funding allows.  

Step 2 – Complete Feasibility Assessment 

Multi-family communities in the City of Alexandria that apply and are accepted into the Plug In Alexandria program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the City. The site visit and resulting feasibility assessment will include information on electrical infrastructure and construction requirements, as well as a high-level cost estimate to install the EV chargers that are currently needed to meet the demand, as well as considerations for future EV charger expansion.  

The City and the engineering firm will present the results to the multi-family community’s board of directors, homeowner’s association, or property management company.

Step 3 – EV Charger Installation  

If a multi-family community decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of EV chargers, the multi-family community will then hire contractor(s) to perform necessary work to design and install the chargers.  

Step 4 – Apply for Grant 

Following installation, communities participating in the Plug In Alexandria program can request a grant to cover 30% of eligible costs associated with the cost of EV charger installation.

Complete the Request for Grant Funds.

Multi-family communities that are selected to participate in the Plug In Alexandria program are eligible to apply for a grant through Virginia Clean Cities that may cover 30% of eligible expenses for the installation of EV chargers, up to $10,000. 

Multi-family communities in a Low-Income Community census tract, as defined in the New Markets Tax Credit data, may be eligible for up to $15,000 of grant funds.

Grants will be awarded to Plug In Alexandria participating communities after EV chargers are installed and operational. When the EV charger installation is complete, participating communities must submit a Request for Grant Funds and provide documentary evidence of eligible expenses before grant funding will be disbursed.  

Participants have 12 months from the completion of the technical assessment to apply for the grant.  

Expenses eligible under Plug-In Alexandria Program (for shared/common infrastructure only): 

• Engineering design.
• EV charging equipment.
• Electrical work necessary to power and install the charging station(s).
• Installation costs including trenching and building penetration repair (if any), directional or usage signage, and paint.
• Up to three years of warranties, activation fees, and annual network subscriptions.
• Third party installation and funding costs with pass through written agreement documentation.  Financing party must demonstrate how the Plug In Alexandria reimbursement reduces the cost to the participating community.  

Expenses not eligible under Plug-In Alexandria Program: 

• Work done or expenditures incurred prior to being accepted into the Plug In Alexandria program. Design and engineering and permitting expenses may be allowable.
• Equipment purchased and upgrades made to prepare the community to be EV-ready, such as solar canopies, the creation of new parking spaces, or adding a sidewalk (excluding necessary electrical work).
• Fees incurred by attorneys, consultants, or management companies.
• Changes in insurance premium or any charges from insurance companies.
• Electricity costs.
• Operation and maintenance expenses, with the exception of up to three years of warranties, activation fees, and annual network subscriptions.
• Work done or equipment related to private or non-shared infrastructure (e.g., private chargers for individual residents).