The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the University of Delaware (UD) say they are teaming up to help create a larger electric vehicle (EV) charging station network in the state by next year.
Presently, EV drivers in Delaware have access to only a few public charging stations. Under this program, UD researchers are in the process of determining the most effective locations for five or six new charging stations, and they will assist in equipment installation and analyze station usage when the stations become operational. The partners say the 16 kW stations will charge two to three times as quickly as more common models, and the service will be offered free of charge to users through at least 2014.
The partners note the project will help remove a significant obstacle to the adoption of electric cars: “range anxiety.” The new stations will not be more than 50 miles apart, which is the battery range for the least expensive EV models today, the groups note.
“No longer will any Delawareans or visiting owners of electric vehicles have to worry about running out of electricity while traveling in the First State,” comments DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara.
