PROMOTING CLEAN FUEL VEHICLES, EMISSION
SAVINGS AND CLEAN AIR FOR MAINE
Take Niro for a Spin
We’ve received a new vehicle for you to test out! The 2020 Kia Niro EV is fully electric with an EPA-estimated 239-mile range. If you’re interested in taking our Niro EV for a spin, send us an email! It will be ready for sharing in June. All you need is a valid driver's license and proof of insurance to participate in our free EV lending program. The Niro EV is available for up to a week at a time, and you can take it anywhere within the state of Maine. Take it for a test drive and see how easy it would be to make the switch!
Autogas Answers Webinar
Join us Thursday, April 29 at 11:00 am for an informational webinar on propane fuel, Autogas Answers! The event will feature a panel of experts and fleet managers who will share their experience using propane autogas in diverse applications within the transportation sector. Dottie Muchmore, Transportation Director at Bonny Eagle MSAD 06, will present at the event. The school district currently has 13 propane buses running.

We are co-hosting the event alongside New Hampshire and Vermont Clean Cities Coalitions. We hope to see you there!
Clean Transportation Roadmap RFP
The State of Maine is seeking proposals for the development of a Clean Transportation Roadmap for Maine. The roadmap will help identify policies, programs, and regulatory changes needed to meet the state’s electric vehicle and transportation reduction goals in 2025 and 2030 outlined in the Maine Climate Action Plan. The RFP identifies that the Roadmap will be completed this year, there will be significant opportunity for stakeholders across Maine to engage in the process and share insights, stay tuned for more information!

Medium and Heavy Duty EVs on the Rise
There has been significant growth in the number of available models of zero-emission (ZE) trucks and buses in the United States and it is expected to continue growing. Market demand, new manufacturers hitting the market, and policy change are helping to drive this growth. Corporate giants such as UPS, Amazon, and FedEx have started to make the switch to ZE commercial vehicles with large purchases from Rivian, Arrival, and Chanje this past year. This is leading to more manufacturers and new models entering the market, making it even more competitive. States across the country, including Maine, have agreed to collaboratively develop strategies to build strong markets for ZE commercial vehicles which will help advance their deployment. Governments, fleets, and manufacturers are coming together to take the Drive to Zero pledge to move towards the electrification of commercial vehicles.
North Windham DC Fast Charger
A high-speed electric vehicle charging station has been installed in North Windham, marking the completion of the first phase of expanding the public network of electric vehicle fast chargers across Maine. A ceremony was held on Monday at the Hannaford supermarket where Efficiency Maine showed off the new “level 3” fast-charging station, also known as DC fast chargers. The chargers can add up to 250 miles of vehicle range in an hour and costs 18 cents per kilowatt-hour, plus 15 cents per minute. This is the seventh and final station installed with chargers also at the Kennebunk and West Gardiner plazas of the Maine Turnpike and locations in Jackman, Skowhegan, and Farmington. Congratulations to Efficiency Maine Trust and a big thank you to Hannaford for prioritizing EVs!
Funding Opportunities
Low Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Technologies
The Vehicle Technologies Office is offering up to $62.75 million as part of its “Low Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Technologies Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment” FOA for innovative solutions to reducing emissions and increasing efficiencies for on- and off-road vehicles. The application process includes two phases: a concept paper, due May 13, 2021, and a full application, due July 12, 2021.


Port Infrastructure Development Program
A Notice of Funding Opportunity has been issued by the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Funds for the program will be awarded as discretionary grants for projects that will improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around or within a port. Applications should be submitted by 5:00 pm EDT on July 30, 2021.


Environmental Justice Small Grant
The EPA’s Ports Initiative has new funding available for approximately six Environmental Justice Small Grant projects that address air quality issues at coastal and inland ports or rail yards. There’s a maximum of $75,000 available for each one-year project. Applications are due by June 1, 2020.


Thanks for tuning in!
Maine Clean Communities
is administered by the
Greater Portland
Council of Governments
207-664-8414 
970 Baxter Blvd. Suite 201
Portland, ME 04103