Carrboro, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2021) – This past week, Piedmont Electric Cooperative unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) DC fast-charging station at the Carrboro Plaza. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, including Piedmont Electric, are working to create a statewide network of EV charging stations, enabling the increased adoption of EV technology. DC fast-chargers provide the quickest charge available and can charge a depleted electric vehicle’s battery to 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes.
Cooperatives primarily serve members in rural locations, and their expanding charging network fills gaps in charging infrastructure in rural and tourist-visited areas, creating environmental and economic benefits for communities.
“This charging station will help increase local commerce, reduce emissions and bring the benefits of driving electric to our community,” said Steve Hamlin, president and general manager of Piedmont Electric. “Our members are increasingly interested in the convenience, cost savings and environmental advantage of electric vehicles, and we are proud to support expansion of this technology by securing funding for this local project.”
Piedmont Electric applied for and was awarded a grant to fund the chargers as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settlement with Volkswagen. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality awarded eight North Carolina electric cooperatives, including Piedmont Electric, approximately $700,000 in VW settlement funding to install high-speed EV charging stations in rural and suburban communities throughout the state. Additional funding and support were provided by the Town of Carrboro to ensure this project’s success.
“This is the first fast charger in our service area and we have also begun construction on our second DC fast-charging station in Mebane,” Hamlin said. “We’re happy to see this come here to Carrboro, we expect this charger to be very popular as there are no other high speed chargers in this area.”
The NC electric co-ops’ charging network has now expanded to nearly 70 charging stations, with more than 100 charging ports across the state. To learn more about our EV charging network and how Piedmont Electric supports members in accessing the benefits of EVs, including rebates and special rates, visit NCDriveElectric.com/piedmont-electric.
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 33,000 electric accounts in Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties. Piedmont Electric exists to serve our members and improve the quality of life in our communities through local employment, economic development, business engagement, youth education, grants to educators, advocacy for energy issues, community involvement and emergency preparedness support. Visit www.pemc.coop for more information.