The number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in North Carolina will jump 30 percent thanks to a new project from Duke Energy.
Duke Energy's "EV Charging Infrastructure Support Project" will provide $1 million to help cities and towns develop public charging stations for residents.
Duke Energy will pay 100 percent up to $5,000 per charge port; $20,000 per site, or $50,000 per city under the program.
Duke Energy's North Carolina president David Fountain said: "Over the past decade, Duke Energy has supported the development of several hundred electric vehicle charging stations in North Carolina.
"Adoption of EVs depends on a robust infrastructure for consumers."
Duke Energy has been active in building public charging stations at parking decks, libraries and shopping areas. According to Advanced Energy, an independent, non-profit organization established by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, there are about 4,700 registered plug-in EVs and about 700 public charging ports spread out around North Carolina.
Advanced Energy president Dr. Robert Koger said: "Today is a perfect time to begin thinking about and planning for electric vehicle charging.
"Duke Energy's new program will give communities the opportunity to provide a new amenity for residents and visitors that also benefits the local economy and air quality."
Another part of the project is an additional $500,000 devoted to cities and towns for the construction of electric bus charging stations. Again, Duke Energy will pay 100 percent for electric bus charging infrastructure up to $250,000 per entity.
The programs are targeted to cities and towns, which include both retail and wholesale customers. Interested parties may apply, but are not obligated to proceed if selected as a recipient. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1.
