TEP will promote customer energy efficiency programs while supporting the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) chargers in disadvantaged areas through a partnership with Volta Inc., a nationwide EV charging and media company.
Volta will install eight EV chargers at high-traffic locations such as grocery stores and entertainment venues, including some located in disadvantaged communities. These convenient and affordable charging options will be especially critical for renters, residents of multifamily housing, and others who do not have access to charging at home. The first two chargers were recently installed at Century Tucson Marketplace Theatres, 1300 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd., and are ready for immediate use by EV drivers.
The large, eye-catching digital displays on the chargers help Volta generate advertising revenue that supports their installation. Volta’s Level 2 charging stations are free to use for the first two hours.
TEP offers special electric rates and rebates to support residential customers seeking to reduce their vehicle fuel and maintenance costs while shrinking their carbon footprint by investing in EVs. Our Smart EV Charging Program offers incentives and technical support to commercial businesses, multi-family complexes and nonprofit customers that purchase and install EV charging ports. Commercial customers located in lower-income areas receive higher rebates. TEP also is supporting the electrification of Tucson’s public bus fleet by covering the cost of the charging stations, providing technical assistance and upgrading our local energy grid to support charging.
TEP is using the displays on Volta’s chargers to promote awareness of our energy efficiency programs.
“As an energy provider, we want to ensure all of our customers can experience the sustainability and financial benefits of electric transportation,” said Camila Martins-Bekat, Senior Market Development Representative for TEP. “Through our work with Volta, we’re bringing EV charging to communities that are historically underserved while educating customers about ways to manage their energy costs.”
Through its Charging For All initiative, Volta seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and easy public charging. This commitment to universal charging access is shared by the Federal government’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40 percent of the overall benefits offered by certain Federal investments, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL), to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.
“An unprecedented shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric mobility is underway. It’s imperative that no community is left behind in this transformation,” said Brandt Hastings, Chief Commercial Officer at Volta. “Volta is honored to work with TEP, a company that very much understands the urgency and importance of bringing critical EV charging infrastructure to disadvantaged communities. I also applaud TEP for using the media platform offered by our EV charging network to reach customers directly and further this commitment to a more sustainable future for all.”
