NCDOT Removes EV Charging Stations From Rest Stops | WUNC

NC fails to support public interest in rechargeable cars and stops effort to use renewable energy on NC roads.

Poor planning and lack of foresight causes NC DOT and lawmakers to fail in an effort to support use of rechargeable cars on NC highways. According to DOT spokeswoman Julia Casadonte "the stations were meant to be a temporary pilot project" and that the department removed the charging stations to resolve a conflict in laws. Rather than solve a problem of how to accommodate payment for recharging, the DOT removed the stations because a poorly planned directive required the DOT to find a way to charge drivers for using the stations. This conflicted with a Federal law saying charges may be only made for vending machine services along highways. 

The charging stations were in fact being used by the public. Over 14 months 146 vehicles were recharged at a total cost of $44.00 for the energy consumed. Since the state did not find a way to allow customers to pay for the service they decided to just "pull the plug" and remove the chargers. 

Read the article... NCDOT Removes EV Charging Stations From Rest Stops | WUNC