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Budget and Financial Justification
Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network Infrastructure Development
Budget Summary
Unity Fleet LLC requests $245,000 from the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program to develop "The Link" EV Charging Network in rural Illinois communities. This funding will be strategically allocated across five initial hub locations in Decatur, Taylorville, Pana, Mattoon, and Effingham, with a focus on maximizing impact while ensuring sustainable operations.
| Budget Category | OE3 Grant Funds | Matching Funds | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Development and Infrastructure | $85,000 | $125,000 | $210,000 |
| Charging Equipment and Technology | $95,000 | $175,000 | $270,000 |
| Renewable Energy Components | $45,000 | $95,000 | $140,000 |
| Community Facilities | $20,000 | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| TOTAL | $245,000 | $430,000 | $675,000 |
Detailed Budget Breakdown
1. Site Development and Infrastructure ($85,000)
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost | OE3 Funds | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Preparation | Site grading, clearing, and preparation | 5 sites | $8,000 | $40,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Electrical Infrastructure | Transformer upgrades, conduit, wiring | 5 sites | $15,000 | $75,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 |
| Charging Equipment Pads | Concrete pads and protective structures | 5 sites | $7,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Solar Integration | Mounting systems and electrical integration | 5 sites | $6,000 | $30,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Site Improvements | Lighting, signage, safety features | 5 sites | $6,000 | $30,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Subtotal | $210,000 | $85,000 | $125,000 |
2. Charging Equipment and Technology ($95,000)
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost | OE3 Funds | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Fast Chargers | 150kW+ DC Fast Charging stations | 20 units | $8,500 | $170,000 | $60,000 | $110,000 |
| Level 2 Chargers | Level 2 charging stations | 40 units | $1,500 | $60,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Power Management Systems | Load balancing and energy management | 5 systems | $4,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Payment Systems | User interfaces and payment processing | 5 systems | $2,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Networking Equipment | Connectivity and monitoring systems | 5 systems | $2,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Subtotal | $270,000 | $95,000 | $175,000 |
3. Renewable Energy Components ($45,000)
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost | OE3 Funds | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Canopies | 50kW solar array installations | 5 systems | $15,000 | $75,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Battery Storage | 100kWh battery storage systems | 5 systems | $8,000 | $40,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Energy Management Systems | Smart controls for energy utilization | 5 systems | $3,000 | $15,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Grid Integration | Bidirectional capabilities | 5 systems | $1,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monitoring Systems | Performance tracking equipment | 5 systems | $1,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Subtotal | $140,000 | $45,000 | $95,000 |
4. Community Facilities ($20,000)
| Item | Description | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost | OE3 Funds | Matching Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lounge Areas | Climate-controlled waiting spaces | 5 facilities | $5,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Restroom Facilities | ADA-compliant restrooms | 5 facilities | $3,000 | $15,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Digital Kiosks | Interactive information displays | 5 units | $1,500 | $7,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Outdoor Seating | Landscaped community areas | 5 sites | $1,000 | $5,000 | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| Educational Displays | Information about clean energy | 5 sets | $500 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Subtotal | $55,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
Matching Funds Sources
Unity Fleet will provide $430,000 in matching funds from the following sources:
- Founder Investment: $150,000 from Matthew Thomas Lamb (committed)
- Strategic Partnerships: $125,000 from corporate partners (committed)
- Community Token Sales: $75,000 from initial ChainLink token offerings (in progress)
- Equipment Financing: $80,000 through manufacturer financing programs (approved)
Documentation of these matching fund commitments will be provided with the final application submission.
Budget Justification
1. Site Development and Infrastructure ($85,000)
The requested $85,000 for site development and infrastructure represents a critical investment in the foundation of "The Link" EV Charging Network. These funds will enable Unity Fleet to prepare five strategic locations for charging infrastructure deployment, including necessary electrical upgrades, concrete pads, and safety features. This investment will:
- Leverage Existing Infrastructure: By strategically selecting sites with some existing infrastructure, we maximize the impact of grant funds while reducing overall costs.
- Enable Future Expansion: The infrastructure developed will be designed to accommodate future expansion, creating a foundation for long-term growth.
- Ensure Safety and Reliability: Proper site development is essential for safe, reliable charging operations in all weather conditions.
- Create Immediate Jobs: Site development work will be contracted to local construction firms, creating immediate economic impact.
The matching funds of $125,000 for this category will cover additional site preparation costs, permitting fees, and enhanced features beyond basic requirements.
2. Charging Equipment and Technology ($95,000)
The $95,000 requested for charging equipment and technology represents the core functional elements of the project. This investment will:
- Provide Critical Rural Infrastructure: The DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 stations will fill significant gaps in rural charging infrastructure.
- Ensure Universal Compatibility: The selected equipment will be compatible with all EV models, maximizing accessibility.
- Implement Smart Technology: Power management systems will optimize charging efficiency and grid integration.
- Enable Financial Sustainability: Payment systems will facilitate revenue generation while providing user-friendly experiences.
- Support Remote Management: Networking equipment will allow for efficient monitoring and maintenance, reducing operational costs.
The matching funds of $175,000 will enable the deployment of additional charging units and enhanced technology features that will improve the user experience and operational efficiency.
3. Renewable Energy Components ($45,000)
The $45,000 requested for renewable energy components will enable Unity Fleet to implement sustainable power solutions that reduce operational costs and environmental impact. This investment will:
- Reduce Grid Dependency: Solar canopies and battery storage will significantly reduce reliance on grid power.
- Demonstrate Innovation: The integration of renewable energy with charging infrastructure will serve as a model for sustainable development.
- Enhance Resilience: Battery storage systems will provide charging capabilities during grid outages.
- Lower Operating Costs: On-site generation will reduce electricity costs, improving long-term financial sustainability.
- Create Educational Opportunities: The visible renewable components will serve as educational tools for community members.
The matching funds of $95,000 will allow for larger solar installations and battery systems, maximizing the renewable energy contribution to operations.
4. Community Facilities ($20,000)
The $20,000 requested for community facilities will transform "The Link" hubs from mere charging stations into valuable community assets. This investment will:
- Create Welcoming Spaces: Comfortable lounge areas will make charging a pleasant experience rather than an inconvenience.
- Ensure Accessibility: ADA-compliant restrooms and facilities will ensure all community members can utilize the spaces.
- Provide Information: Digital kiosks and educational displays will inform visitors about clean energy and transportation.
- Foster Community Gathering: Outdoor seating areas will create spaces for community interaction and engagement.
- Enhance Economic Impact: Comfortable facilities will encourage longer visits, increasing potential economic benefits for nearby businesses.
The matching funds of $35,000 will enable enhanced amenities and features that further improve the community experience.
Cost-Effectiveness Measures
Unity Fleet has implemented several strategies to maximize the cost-effectiveness of this project:
Economies of Scale: By developing five locations simultaneously, we achieve significant cost savings on equipment purchases, installation, and project management.
Strategic Site Selection: Locations have been chosen to minimize site preparation costs while maximizing community impact.
Technology Integration: The integrated approach to energy management reduces overall system costs compared to standalone components.
Phased Implementation: The implementation plan prioritizes revenue-generating elements early in the process to begin generating returns quickly.
Leveraged Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with equipment manufacturers and installers provide preferential pricing and support.
Return on Investment
The OE3 grant investment of $245,000 will generate significant returns for both Unity Fleet and the communities served:
Direct Financial Returns:
- Projected annual revenue of $240,000 from charging services in Year 1
- Additional revenue streams from amenities and grid services
- Estimated payback period of 3.5 years on total investment
Job Creation:
- 25 direct jobs created in Year 1
- Average salary of $65,000, significantly above local averages
- Additional indirect jobs through construction and supply chain
Economic Impact:
- Estimated $1.2 million in local economic activity generated in Year 1
- Increased property values surrounding hub locations
- Enhanced tourism and visitor spending in rural communities
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduction of approximately 1,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually
- Decreased dependence on fossil fuels
- Improved air quality in rural communities
Long-Term Financial Sustainability
Unity Fleet has developed a comprehensive plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant period:
Diverse Revenue Streams:
- Charging fees (primary revenue)
- Advertising and sponsorships
- Amenity services
- Grid services (demand response, frequency regulation)
- Community event hosting
Operational Efficiency:
- Renewable energy integration reducing electricity costs
- Remote monitoring reducing maintenance expenses
- Smart load management optimizing energy usage
Scalable Business Model:
- Infrastructure designed for easy expansion
- Technology platform supporting additional locations
- Replicable processes for new hub development
Community Investment:
- ChainLink tokenization model enabling ongoing community investment
- Shared ownership creating aligned incentives for success
- Local stakeholder engagement ensuring community support
Conclusion
The requested OE3 grant funding of $245,000 represents a strategic investment in critical infrastructure that will generate substantial economic, environmental, and community benefits. By leveraging $430,000 in matching funds, Unity Fleet will create a total project value of $675,000, maximizing the impact of the grant investment. The detailed budget allocation ensures that every dollar is directed toward creating sustainable infrastructure that serves rural Illinois communities while generating jobs and economic opportunity. This project embodies the core objectives of the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program by enabling a small business to achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create jobs through strategic capital improvements.