Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) has partnered with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, its power supplier and state association, to install an electric vehicle charging station at the Avon Pier parking lot on Hatteras Island.

Part of an expanding statewide cooperative charging network, the DC Fast Charge station is now available for public charging.

“Hatteras Island is a popular travel destination, and an electric vehicle charging station will help draw visitors and economic activity to this area, while also supporting the environmental and cost-saving benefits of electric vehicles,” said Susan Flythe, general manager and executive vice president of CHEC. “EVs offer numerous opportunities to both drivers and communities, and we want to do everything we can to encourage their adoption and make it easier for EV owners to travel throughout our state.”

The station is part of a $1 million investment North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are making in rural electric vehicle charging infrastructure across North Carolina. The funding will be used to install 21 charging stations, including 10 DC Fast chargers and 11 Level 2 chargers, in cooperative-served communities by the end of the year. ChargePoint, an industry leader in EV charging infrastructure and networks, will supply the equipment and apply technical expertise in managing and installing the sites.

DC Fast Charge stations provide a very quick charge and are capable of charging a depleted electric vehicle’s battery to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes. DC Fast Charge stations are usually located in high-traffic public areas or along major highway corridors.

Level 2 charging is commonly found in public locations, including shopping centers, downtown areas, multifamily communities and workplaces. The stations can also be installed at home if a 240-volt outlet is available. Level 2 charging is three to five times faster than Level 1 (a standard 120-volt outlet) and provides 10 to 20 electric miles per hour.

The investment expands the existing electric cooperative EV charging network, which encompasses public charging stations at 30 locations, including CHEC Level 2 stations located in Waves and Hatteras Village. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are also pursuing funding available through the North Carolina Volkswagen Settlement to grow this network even further.

CHEC provides a variety of benefits and incentives to electric vehicle owners, including a home charger rebate. CHEC members can also take advantage of the cooperative’s all electric Nissan Leaf fleet vehicle by borrowing the vehicle for up to two days for a test drive. There is also a federal tax credit and co-op members have access to a low interest EV loan and a special rebate when purchasing a new Nissan Leaf.

Driving electric offers significant cost savings, more convenience and less maintenance, a better driving experience, a healthier environment, a stronger local economy and a more efficient electric grid, reports Cape Hatteras Electric.

To find more information about the impacts of driving electric and to find local EV benefits visit ncdriveelectric.com/chec.

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