City of Staunton to debut first electric car charging station

In a few days, electric vehicle motorists will have a place to charge their vehicles in historic downtown Staunton.

The City, in collaboration with a private owner and operator, will open an electric car charging station on Wednesday, April 22, at the RMA parking lot, directly across from the New Street parking garage.

The fast-charge unit is compatible with all electric vehicles, with the exception of the Chevrolet Volt. It can power two cars at once and can charge the average electric passenger vehicle in about an hour. A $6 fee per 20 minute session will apply.

City staff worked with Virginia Clean Cities, ChargeUp, and owner and operator Robert Pingry, to bring the unit to Staunton. By means of a limited use license, Pingry will manage the operation, maintenance, fees, and other systems related to the charger and site. The City’s only role is to provide a designated area for the charger.

Staunton City Council, City staff and project partners will debut the charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday (details in the sidebar). About the Virginia Clean Cities Coalition Virginia Clean Cities is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing our energy, economic, and environmental security through petroleum reduction and clean transportation. Virginia Clean Cities is a state and federally recognized coalition of stakeholders staffed in partnership with James Madison University.

Virginia Clean Cities operates dozens of domestic fuel and environmental education and deployment projects for federal and state agencies and private partners.

To learn more, visit www.vacleancities.org.