Summary
- New electric vehicle charging stations being installed in the Golden Triangle
- Funding for the new charging station in Starkville includes grants from TVA and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
- Electric vehicle sales in the Southeast are growing, leading to increased demand for charging stations
- Starkville Utilities working to meet the demand by installing fast-charging stations
- Columbus Light and Water also installing new fast-charging stations in downtown Columbus
Article
New electric vehicle charging stations are being installed across the Golden Triangle, including a new fast-charging station in Starkville. Starkville Utilities General Manager Edward Kemp announced that the new ChargePoint station will be located near the intersection of Lampkin and Jackson streets and should be operational by early fall. The project, costing roughly $216,000, is being funded by grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Fast Charge Network Program and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, along with funds from the utility’s capital improvements budget. With the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, Starkville Utilities is looking to meet the increasing demand for charging infrastructure.
The electric vehicle market in the United States has been growing steadily, with around 1.6 million electric vehicles sold in 2023. In the Southeast, new light-duty electric vehicle sales grew by 50% from July 2022 to June 2023, representing nearly 470,000 sales. Starkville Utilities previously installed fast-charging stations downtown and at the Starkville Sportsplex, but the new station at Lampkin and Jackson streets will be even faster, accommodating the needs of residents and visitors, including parents of Mississippi State students. The station will have the capacity to charge two vehicles simultaneously, with each charge taking as little as 30 minutes, making it compatible with most electric vehicles.
The new charging station in Starkville will be the sixth publicly available station in the city and the 16th in the Golden Triangle region. Other mapped stations in Starkville and Columbus include locations at car dealerships, hotels, and public charging stations. Columbus Light and Water installed its first downtown charging station in 2019 and recently added a fast-charging station next to its main office on Fifth Street South. Both stations have been widely used, with over 100 charging sessions every month since April. Funding for the charging stations came from the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, TVA, and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
The location of the charging stations in both Starkville and Columbus provides a convenient stopping point for travelers passing through the area. The stations offer a quick and efficient charging experience, with the ability to provide a full charge to vehicles within an hour. The investment in electric vehicle infrastructure is part of the commitment to serving the changing transportation needs of the community and promoting sustainable transportation options. The availability of charging stations at various locations ensures that electric vehicle owners have access to reliable charging options, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing carbon emissions.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, the expansion of charging infrastructure in cities like Starkville and Columbus plays a crucial role in supporting the transition to sustainable transportation. The efforts to install fast-charging stations at key locations along major highways and in downtown areas demonstrate a commitment to promoting alternative fuel options and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The availability of publicly accessible charging stations also contributes to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, utilities and local governments are taking proactive steps to meet the evolving transportation needs of residents and visitors, creating a more sustainable future for the Golden Triangle region.
Supporting quality journalism is essential for keeping communities informed and engaged with important news and developments. The Dispatch’s coverage of the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations in the Golden Triangle highlights the significance of local reporting in providing valuable information to residents. By subscribing to local news outlets like the Dispatch, readers can contribute to the sustainability of journalism and ensure that essential stories continue to be covered in depth. The installation of new charging stations represents a positive step towards a more sustainable future for the Golden Triangle, with increased access to electric vehicle infrastructure paving the way for cleaner and greener transportation options.
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