The chargers will be installed in five selected census tracts that collectively have a population of more than 23,000 residents. These tracts have a racial and ethnic minority population of 31.5% and a poverty rate of 24%.

The five locations chosen are: Seng Park, 2000 N. 48th St.; Van Dorn Park, 930 High St.; Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St.; the Malone Center, 2032 U St; and the planned Multimodal Transportation Center, 10th and G streets.

Each of the five sites will feature two charging stations, with two ports per station, for a total of 10 charging stations with 20 ports.

“By expanding public charging infrastructure, the city will remove barriers to EV ownership and ensure the benefits of clean transportation are accessible to all residents, while helping the city achieve its Climate Action Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050,” Kim Morrow, the city's chief sustainability officer, said in a news release.

Morrow said the goal of the Electric Vehicle Charging Project is to provide charging access to 1,650 multifamily housing units within a 10-minute walk of the charging sites.

The total cost of the project is $800,000, with the city contributing 20%.

Morrow said the city plans to use 5% of the grant funds for community engagement and education in the neighborhoods where the new charging stations will be placed.

“Our outreach will focus on residents in nearby multifamily housing who stand to benefit the most from the use of the charging stations. The outreach will include education on EVs, including battery range, driving experience, cost savings, how to charge, and more,” Morrow said.

Project partners include Lincoln Electric System, Lincoln Metropolitan Organization, Nebraska Clean Cities Coalition, Malone Community Center and Nebraska Department of Transportation.