Duke Energy project to increase public EV charging stations in N.C. by 30 percent

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 200 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed soon under Duke Energy's "EV Charging Infrastructure Project."

Today, the company announced recipients under the program, which includes new stations planned for almost 50 counties around the state. See the list of all recipients and the number of stations awarded.

The $1 million project pays up to $5,000 for the purchase and installation of each charging port. That should cover the cost of the stations – depending on its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. The project received overwhelming interest – with more than 500 charging stations requested from around the state.

"The robust interest throughout the state is a positive sign that public EV charging will continue to grow in North Carolina," said David Fountain, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "Expanding charging infrastructure is critical for more EV adoption in the future."

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 5,300 registered plug-in EVs and about 700 public charging ports spread out around North Carolina. See the current map of EVs and EV charging in North Carolina.

"We are excited to receive the grant from Duke Energy for two electric vehicle charging stations," said Dr. Carol Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury. "The stations will be located on the North Campus and will be a very visible example of the college's commitment to sustainability."

Recipients have the ability to put the charging stations in a location of their choice – and operate them how they see fit. For recipients who choose not to go forward with the installations – other recipients will be named.

The Duke Energy program was part of a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups.

About Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

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SOURCE Duke Energy