News Brief: Grant Helps College Upgrade Fleet of Electric Vehicle Chargers

For Rhode Island College Professor of Biology William Holmes, the presence of electric vehicle chargers on campus is a game changer.

"Your mindset changes a bit when you drive an electric vehicle, especially for new or prospective owners," Holmes says. "You're thinking will there be enough charge in the car to run errands, pick up kids and make it home. But when you are charging at work, all of that concern goes out the window."

Thanks to a $47,000 grant RIC received from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), two outdated vehicle chargers in Lot D near the campus' transportation center will be replaced. National Grid will install the chargers at no cost to the college. 

RIC Sustainability Coordinator James Murphy says an ongoing relationship, forged after the college received OER's Lead by Example award a few years ago, was the catalyst behind the grant for the chargers.

"I keep my ear to the ground with OER, who we consider a partner for energy efficiencies," Murphy says. "Groups like OER, along with National Grid, are providing energy efficiency funding for those who are looking to do these type of projects."

RIC's investment in electric vehicle chargers coincides with the state's three-year plan to make all its government vehicles electric and install charger stations. As a result, the state anticipates saving $841,000 and reducing carbon emissions by over 14,000 short tons, a reduction of 77 percent when compared to gas-powered vehicles. 

Murphy says the new charger stations are innovative, with the ability to track performance and usage. They can also connect to a smartphone app that reserves the space for electric vehicle owners' use. Aside from Lot D, other electric chargers are in H Lot next to Physical Plant building; the Welcome Center; in K Lot near the Student Union and in B Lot next to Whipple Hall. Each can charge two cars simultaneously. 

"For every electric vehicle on campus, that means transportation without carbon in the air, so we're making the campus healthier," Murphy says. 

Holmes adds, "When people see dedicated electric vehicle charging stations on campus, it shows that RIC supports alternative energy, and it may convince someone else to buy a car that can easily run with a battery."