With more and more electric cars humming on our roads, it’s vital that more charging stations become more readily available. Thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation in conjunction with the North Carolina State University Solar Center, seven new stations were approved.
The result will be the installation of six double pedestal GE DurastationTM electric charging stations in Edenton, Newton, Tarboro, Smithfield, and Wake Forest, all NC Public Power Communities. Wake Forest will install two stations. A seventh charging station will be located at ElectriCities of North Carolina in Raleigh.
The charging station for Smithfield has already been installed. It is located at the Public Utilities building at 230 Hospital Road.
“As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, having charging stations in public places gives communities an economic and environmental one-two punch,” said Phil Bisesi, ElectriCities’ Residential Energy Services Supervisor. “First, these stations provide drivers an incentive to come into town where they can easily charge up while shopping, sightseeing or dining; and ultimately drive longer distances. Second, because electric cars don’t pollute as much as gas-powered cars, they’re much better for our state’s overall air quality.”
The grant was awarded through the North Carolina Solar Center Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project. ElectriCities was awarded $59,892 to help pay for the charging stations.
In addition to the seven charging stations, money from the grant will be used to help purchase two 2014 Chevy Volts. ElectriCities and the Town of Smithfield each received approval to buy a vehicle; Smithfield has already purchased their Volt. Officials from each organization will use the cars for business.
To learn more about how NCSC, ElectriCities, NC Public Power communities, the NC Department of Transportation and others are working together to help diversify fuel supplies and support cleaner, more vibrant local and state economies, visit www.cleantransportation.org today.
