Install an EV charging station on campus

October 30, 2018

University Relations

Hello, there are an increasing number of people that own either full EV or extended range hybrid cars here in Fairbanks (I have a Chevy Volt).  However, there are very few options for rapid (level 2) charging of those EVs.  It would be great for UAF to have at least one parking spot (probably in front of Signer's) converted for use with a charging station.  UAF would not have to pay for the electricity (most stations use either a phone app or a credit card reader to pay for the juice).

Having a charging station would increase the visibility of EVs in Fairbanks and help support UAF's mission of sustainability.  A charging station would also help encourage people to get EVs (or extended Hybrids) by reducing their 'range anxiety' since they could now charge at work.

The main cost to UAF would be the lost parking fees for that one spot, but since any car charging there would still need a UAF decal, that should be minimized.  UAF could also place a 2 or 4 hour limit on the spot to keep folks from 'camping' that spot along with restricting access like is done for motorcycle only spots during the summer.

I do not know how much a company like ChargePoint ( https://www.chargepoint.com/ ) charges for the installation or if there are ongoing fees.  The spot might also require a beefier electrical drop.

Thanks for considering this!  I really do think that having a UAF charge spot would help support the sustainability efforts and bring a needed, modern green touch to campus.  I would love to see it get more folks to try fully, or partially EV cars.