Summary
– Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email or follow on Google News
– Petrified Forest National Park’s only remaining charging station recently went down
– The charging station at the north end of the park was essential for EV travelers along I-40
– Multiple parties, including the National Park Service, concessioners, and ChargePoint, are involved in the issue of station maintenance
– The federal government and NPS need to rethink the approach to EV charging in national parks to ensure proper maintenance and operation of stations
Article
The author, an EV charging enthusiast and national parks enthusiast, discovered that the only remaining charging station at Petrified Forest National Park had recently stopped working. Reflecting on a trip to the park in 2019, the author recalled relying on this charging station during a long journey through New Mexico and Arizona. Despite the station’s flakiness, it was an essential stop for many travelers and a helpful amenity for others. However, the south station at the park had been dead for years, highlighting a concerning trend of deteriorating charging infrastructure at national parks.
The author delved into the complexities of why the charging stations at Petrified Forest National Park were no longer functional. They explained that the maintenance and operations of these charging stations fall under the responsibility of private concessioners who bid for contracts to run various amenities within the parks. The author noted that without a clear requirement or incentive for concessioners to maintain the charging stations, it is challenging to ensure their ongoing operation. As a result, the blame for the defunct charging stations is distributed across the National Park Service, concessioners, and the charging network operator, ChargePoint.
Proposing potential solutions to this issue, the author suggested that the federal government, particularly the National Park Service, should reassess its approach to EV charging infrastructure in national parks. One possible solution could involve contracting dedicated charging concessioners to ensure the maintenance and operation of charging stations. Additionally, the author emphasized the importance of having a coordinated plan for EV charging within parks and developing charging corridors to accommodate EV travelers effectively. By addressing these issues, the author believes that the charging infrastructure at national parks can be improved and maintained more effectively.
Recognizing the need for better coordination and planning regarding EV charging infrastructure, the author urged for a more proactive and structured approach to ensure the availability and functionality of charging stations at national parks. By advocating for clearer guidelines and accountability mechanisms within concession contracts, the author emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to support the growing number of EV drivers visiting national parks. Overall, the article highlighted the challenges and opportunities for enhancing EV charging access in national parks and underscored the importance of ensuring reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure for EV travelers.
Read the full article here
