Title
Vote on a Request to Approve Applying for a Volkswagen Settlement Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Grant
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve applying for a Volkswagen Settlement level 2 electric vehicle charging grant
Introduction & Background: Volkswagen was required to pay states throughout the United States because they modified vehicle computers to send false signals so the vehicles would pass emissions inspections. Each state had to come up with a plan to use this money to reduce emissions from vehicles. North Carolina has chosen to use a portion of this money to fund electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Chatham County was awarded an $82,000 grant last year as part of this program to install a DC fast charging station in Siler City. Staff would now like to apply for a grant to help fund installation of a level 2 EV charging station.
Discussion & Analysis: The largest contributor to the greenhouse gas inventories for the county has been vehicle emissions. The County can encourage the use of electric vehicles by making charging infrastructure available.
The proposed location for the charging station is at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center. The proposed charging station will have two ports, so two vehicles could charge at once. A level 2 station can add 10-20% of the battery’s charge per hour.
Once in person meetings begin again, having charging stations available will encourage those commuting for events at the center to bring their electric vehicle. The station will also be a visible symbol of the county’s support for zero emission vehicles.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This fits under the County’s “Big Idea” to become a carbon negative county and specifically addresses Resiliency Strategy 5.4 - Encourage electric vehicles leveraging public assets to create a network of EV charging stations.
Budgetary Impact: The estimated cost of installing the stations is $20,000, which includes a five year maintenance plan and five years of network connectivity. The grant is a reimbursement rebate of up to $5,000 per port and the charging station will have two ports, so the grant would cover $10,000 of the installation cost and the County would also cover $10,000. The money for the County match will come from the General Fund.
Recommendation: Approve applying for a Volkswagen Settlement level 2 electric vehicle charging grant