As electric vehicles continue to gain traction across commercial and municipal fleets, infrastructure is becoming the real driver of adoption.
MSD recently partnered with the City of Dayton on an EV charger installation project that reflects exactly where the industry is heading.
Project Spotlight: City of Dayton EV Charging Initiative
Led by Heather James, Electrical Operations Manager, this project brought approximately 40 EV chargers across 7 locations throughout the city.
The goal was clear. Provide reliable, accessible charging for the City of Dayton’s fleet vehicles so their teams can operate efficiently without worrying about range or downtime.
From an electrical standpoint, each site required new service brought into the parking areas. In most cases, that meant delivering 400 amps of power into a panel and distributing it across 5 to 10 chargers, supporting up to 10 EV parking spaces per location.
This is a strong example of how infrastructure must scale to support fleet electrification. It is not just about installing chargers. It is about designing systems that can handle load, distribution, and long-term growth.
MSD worked closely with AES and the City of Dayton throughout the project to ensure coordination, power availability, and proper system integration.
The Industry Shift Behind Projects Like This
There is a clear and growing push toward EV adoption, especially for fleets.
Charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly to keep up with demand. Public and private investment continues to increase, and utilities are playing a larger role in supporting capacity and distribution planning.
Even with that growth, infrastructure is still catching up. That is why projects like this are happening at the local level. Cities and organizations are investing now to support future vehicle fleets and avoid operational bottlenecks later.
We are also seeing a shift toward larger, higher-capacity charging sites that can support multiple vehicles at once. This aligns directly with what was implemented across Dayton’s locations.
Recognizing the Team Behind the Work
Projects like this do not happen without strong leadership and execution in the field.
Bart Storrer played a pivotal role in delivering this project successfully.
As Bart shared:
“When I took on this project, I didn’t realize how big of a deal it would be. When I am given a task, I strive not only to complete it but to get it done right the first time, and this project was no exception. I appreciate the opportunity to step outside of my wheelhouse, as well as the support and recognition from my team.”
Bart’s work on this project earned him a DBX Award last year for Electrical Craftsmanship, specifically recognizing his contribution to the EV charger installation.
Why This Matters for Facilities
EV charging is not a future consideration. It is happening now.
For municipalities, commercial properties, and private fleets, the conversation is shifting from “if” to “how fast” and “how well.”
Installing chargers is only part of the equation. Facilities must consider:
- Available electrical capacity
- Load management and distribution
- Future expansion capability
- Coordination with utilities
- Ongoing maintenance and reliability
The facilities that plan for this correctly will be positioned to support evolving fleet needs without costly rework.
A Strong Partnership with the City of Dayton
This project is a great example of collaboration done right.
Working with the City of Dayton and AES allowed for a coordinated approach that ensured each site was designed and delivered to meet both current demand and future growth.
It is always a great experience working with the City of Dayton, and this project reflects the kind of forward-thinking investment that will continue to shape local infrastructure.
