Eastern Connecticut State University has installed its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Located on the first floor of the Shakespeare parking garage, two dedicated parking spots are available for drivers with plug-in vehicles. The charging unit, made by Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment LLC, of Enfield, CT, features two separate charging heads and automatic cord retraction technology.
The charging station was made possible with the help of a grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), advancing one of Governor Dannel Malloy’s energy goals of having 200 charging stations available to drivers of electric vehicles throughout the state.
“The charging station at Eastern adds another key location to a network in Connecticut that is helping to ensure that those driving an EV have convenient access to a charge when needed,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “The build out of this charging infrastructure is encouraging the sale and use of EVs, which is critical to making certain we meet our energy, climate and air quality goals.” Eastern’s charging station will be available 24/7 to the public, free of charge.
A joint collaborative effort between Eastern’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Facilities Management and Planning Office brought the installation of a charging station on campus from idea to reality in a matter of months. Eastern President Elsa Núñez embraced the idea with open arms, and upon completion of the installation commented, “We are proud to add to the EV charging station infrastructure in Connecticut and further demonstrate our commitment to campus sustainability.”
For more information on electric vehicles and locations of charging stations, visit www.ct.gov/evct.
Windham Arts