Things to know about electric vehicle charging stations on campuses
- University leaders should consider EV charging stations as a way to show sustainability efforts for prospective and current students, even if most students aren’t driving electric vehicles yet.
- Universities can leverage EV chargers for talent retention and faculty recruitment. Faculty are more likely to be driving or considering buying an electric vehicle.
- Most campuses can use existing electrical infrastructure to add charge points affordably.
- Rebates, incentives, and credits may be available.
- University parking permit requirements can be changed to increase passive revenue from actively charging.
EV charging stations are expanding to include new standards
Electric vehicles are increasingly visible on Indiana’s streets and highways. Charging stations are available in small and mid-size cities and towns across Indiana. In Martinsville, two EV charging stations exist. Tipton, Marion, Logansport, and Salem each have one. A handful of cities, like Bloomington, Lafayette, and Terre Haute have about half a dozen or more.
Charging stations are currently most common at hotels, some banks, and car dealerships across the state. They may be publicly available but are likely only for short charges. Those found at dealerships, for instance, are likely used more for their electric vehicle inventory than the public.
New electric vehicle charging standards put in place by the Indiana and U.S. Departments of Transportation, are underway to standardize around consistent plugs.
College campuses and universities have a unique opportunity to capitalize on EV charging stations because of their land use, size, proximity, access to covered parking garages, strong parking permit requirements, and need for marketing and talent retention tools.
Use campus EV charging as marketing material
63% of incoming college students and their parents want to know more about a school’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, fossil fuels, and carbon output. New energy-efficient HVAC units, rooftop solar panels, and low-flow water systems can provide dramatic energy savings for any university. Financial incentives through rebates and savings can also boost a school’s pursuit of renewable energy and conservation. But they’re also largely invisible to students and parents.
No campus tour will include a discussion about the new roof-mounted HVAC unit, or the geothermal unit tucked behind the bushes of the Facilities and Maintenance Building.
EV charging stations, however, are:
- Highly visible to students and visitors
- Provide students with a clear indication of a school’s forward-thinking approach to technology
- Enhance future sustainability efforts.
Each charging station also provides measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, especially when combined with renewable power sources like solar or wind energy.
Electric vehicles may not be affordable to students, but they are to faculty and staff
Electric vehicles remain expensive compared to traditional gasoline-powered engines. The used car market for EVs is still limited, and students on shoestring budgets likely aren’t driving new EVs unless by the graciousness of their parents.
But faculty and staff may be eager to use charging stations or switch to an EV if they felt like charging locations were more readily available in places they go. Parking all day on campus provides plenty of time for batteries to recharge.
Campuses seeking new ways to retain and attract world-class talent can use EV charging stations as a straightforward way to boost perks available to faculty. Many top-tier faculty may already receive parking permit privileges. Converting traditional spots to EV charging spaces provides even more benefit.
Provide campus visitors with expanded parking options
Universities can use each EV charging station on campus as a welcome mat for prospective out-of-state students, guests, and regional travelers. Families considering out-of-state campuses likely experience a campus first through its brochures and website. But the first physical experience is likely parking.
Connecting each EV charging station to a broader network, like the Chargepoint Network, lets visitors quickly identify where to park through their free apps.
Regional guest lecturers and speakers, who likely travel frequently, will be more inclined to visit campuses further from major metro areas if they know they can leave fully charged once their talk is finished.
Electricity requirements are more accessible than you might think
On most college campuses, an EV charging station can be placed alongside the existing electrical infrastructure. R.E. Dimond and Associates have helped campuses around Indiana install chargers. We help campus leaders:
- Evaluate the best locations to install chargers based on existing parking spaces, accessibility compliance, and electrical infrastructure.
- Identify tax credits, rebates, charger fees, time limits, and credits that schools can use to offset installation costs and maintenance.
- Identify and install the right charging stations based on current best practices, protocols, and networks.
- Work through any upgrades that facilities may require, such as running additional electric lines or meters to work with your local electric company or power provider.
Our team can also help you maintain the system and stay ahead of new technological advancements as EV charging stations become more available.