​CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 22, 2022) — The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have announced that Asher Queen, a student at UNC Charlotte, is the winner of the "Leading the Charge" electric vehicle decal design competition. The first-time competition was open to local college students in Mecklenburg County.

Queen's design will be placed on all city and county low-emission vehicles and he will be awarded $5,000.

"I am really excited to have a small part in what the city and county are trying to accomplish and love that they gave college students this opportunity," said Queen.

In his design, titled "C a Cleaner Future," Queen angled a stylized green leaf upward at 30 degrees to signify the city's aspiration to create a zero-carbon fleet by 2030 and the county's commitment to transition its fleet to net-zero carbon energy sources by 2035.

"We appreciate everyone who participated in the contest and are excited to showcase our commitment to a low-carbon future with Asher's design on our low-emission vehicles," said Sarah Hazel, the city's chief sustainability and resiliency officer. "This partnership between the city, county and a community member is important because air pollution and emissions from transportation know no boundaries and it will take partnership and collaboration to reach ambitious climate goals."

"Asher's design of a leaf surrounded by a road shows both the City and the County are on a road to a cleaner future. Mecklenburg County is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 and reduction in carbon emissions cannot be achieved without effective collaboration between City and County entities," said Erin Stanforth, Sustainability & Resiliency Manager for Mecklenburg County.  "This exciting project highlights student artwork while also bringing attention to our combined pledge to carbon neutrality."