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CCDC’s NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

January 25, 2017

News & Notes

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Max Clark & Ben Houpt of CCDC stand next to one of the EV charging stations in the Capitol & Main Garage.

CCDC hired local Architect Bruce Poe of Modus Architecture to study the feasibility of installing EV charging stations in the Garages of the ParkBOI system. The report recommended installing at least three charging stations in one downtown garage and at least three charging stations in one BODO garage. It also recommended the installation of a “level 2” type fast charger for hourly parkers. The charger recommended is the SemaConnect S6, largely due to SemaConnect partnering with PlugShare, the most widely used smart phone app among EV Users. Information on the stations can be found here: http://www.semaconnect.com/commercial.

The cost for customers to use the stations is still to be determined, but users will incur a separate “charge” in addition to parking costs. Payment will be conducted through the free Plugshare app. Inspections and set-up are still pending, and the stations are expected to be operating by March 1.

“These stations in our public garages will encourage environmentally friendlier cars to come downtown for a visit and charge,” stated Max Clark, CCDC’s Director of Parking & Facilities. “Cleaner operating vehicles will be a welcome addition to our mobility future.”

CCDC installed three SemaConnect S6 charging stations in Capitol & Main Garage, and we are in the process of installing three of the S6 charging stations in 9th & Front Garage. Work will be completed by the end of next week at the latest. The stations are located on the second levels of the garages and each garage has one ADA accessible location. Unit cost for the stations was $2,990, and total install (performed by Quality Electric Inc.) will be no more than $22,525 including permitting and bonding. Cost is offset by an Idaho Power Incentive of $7,500. It will cost $1,440 yearly for the software and network support to operate the stations, with the 1st year free. The source of CCDC funds for this improvement is fee revenue generated by the agency’s parking system.