Amid record inflation and rising fuel prices, the Town of Ashland unveiled four new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations -- two each in the parking lots located at Town Hall (121 Thompson Street) and the Ashland Library (201 S Railroad Avenue).
Each EV charging station has two charging plugs, so two parking spaces are assigned to each station. The parking spaces dedicated to the EV charging stations will be signed and dedicated to EVs only, but EVs do not need to use the chargers to use the parking spaces.
As of 2020, nearly 1.8 million EVs were registered in the U.S., more than three times
as many as in 2016. Public EV charging stations allow EV users to charge (fuel) their vehicles while away from home,
providing a service similar to a gas station. A network of public EV charging
stations is necessary for EVs to travel beyond the range of the charge received at home.
The installation of additional public EV charging stations creates a comfort level necessary to increase
EV adoption and reduce the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
EV charging stations not only encourage the adoption of EVs and reduction of local air pollution, but the stations are also mapped on multiple websites and phone apps so that Ashland
becomes a destination for EV travelers along the I-95 corridor. Installation of EV stations downtown encourages EV users to visit local shops and
restaurants while refueling their vehicle.
In 2021, the Town was introduced to Greenspot through the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), our partner on smart community efforts, and the Virginia Clean Cities organization. Greenspot installs electric vehicle stations in the public and private sectors, including public lots, private lots, and workplaces.
The company's Level 2 Chargers (220-240v), the chargers installed here in Ashland and the most common charger, require 4-8 hours for a full
charge depending on the specific vehicle. Greenspot has installed Level 2 EV charging stations in other states, but Ashland is one of the first communities in Virginia.
Users of Greenspot’s stations are charged and any use of the Town’s electric meters to service
Greenspot’s stations will be reimbursed
by Greenspot. Depending on actual EV station use and regional adoption of EVs, additional stations may be installed at a later date.
We hope locals and travelers alike will enjoy this added convenience and expansion of "fueling" choices in the heart of downtown Ashland!