Powering Phoenix: EV Equity, Access, and Innovation with Karen Apple

In this illuminating episode of Harvesting Wisdom, Dr. Roselle sits down with Karen Apple, the Electric Vehicle Program Manager for the City of Phoenix's Office of Sustainability. Karen breaks down the city’s bold mission to become the most sustainable desert city on the planet by transforming transportation, equity, and workforce development through electric vehicle infrastructure. She discusses the six pillars guiding her work, from EV charging deployment and policy to community equity and public education.

Listeners will learn about Phoenix’s new EV-ready building codes, efforts to reduce air pollution, inclusive strategies for underserved communities, and a powerful roadmap for scaling sustainability in urban areas. With practical insights for businesses, residents, and city planners, this episode offers a blueprint for what it means to "leave a social footprint" and "close the gap between information and action."

Why Listen?
At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe "we have all taken a bite out of the apple"—we’re all responsible for shaping a sustainable future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in climate-smart urban development, clean transportation, or equitable access to green technology. Whether you're a business owner, policymaker, or resident, Karen Apple’s transparent, practical strategies show how cities can lead systemic change that benefits all communities.

Key Timestamps:
00:27 — Introduction to Karen Apple and her role
01:18 — The mission: Air quality, sustainability, and EVs
02:19 — Six pillars of Phoenix’s EV strategy
03:14 — EV-ready building codes (single-family homes)
04:26 — Workforce gaps & economic opportunity
04:52 — Community equity outreach: 16 community meetings
06:17 — Electric car share, rideshare, e-bikes & scooters
07:05 — October 4th EV Ride & Drive Event at Gateway Community College
09:07 — Systemic barriers: access, cost, grid capacity
10:03 — Business case for EV chargers at local shops
13:16 — Pricing models: network vs. non-network chargers
14:54 — Branding opportunity: becoming a "green business"
16:35 — EV charging in apartment complexes
18:13 — Solar surplus & workplace charging strategy
21:00 — Education & outreach: combating range anxiety and misinformation
23:01 — Libraries and public EV infrastructure
24:04 — Public charging locator apps: PlugShare, A Better Route Planner
25:09 — Pricing structure & vendor challenges (Blink, Stable Auto)
27:01 — Future solutions: Business competition & bulk charging deals
29:02 — SRP rebates and incentive opportunities
30:14 — Partnering nonprofits with businesses for shared EV benefits
32:09 — Phoenix’s 2030 EV goals and Transportation Electrification Action Plan
34:00 — Upcoming October 1st Ride & Drive Event & community engagement

Call to Action:
Empower your community by getting involved:
🔋 Attend the Ride & Drive EV Experience on October 4th at Gateway Community College.
📱 Download the PlugShare app to locate chargers and explore accessibility in your area.
🏷 Are you a business? Learn how installing EV chargers can attract customers and build your green brand.
🌍 Support Urban Farming Education’s mission: Close the gap between information and action by donating, partnering, or volunteering at weareufe.org.

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