Enfield-based Halifax EMC and Dobson-based Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation (SYEMC) recently partnered with local businesses in efforts to expand North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ electric vehicle charging network.
Halifax EMC partnered with New Dixie Oil and Robbie’s, as well as North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, to strategically install a DC fast charger for public charging at Robbie’s on Highway 561 at I-95, Exit 160.
“Interstate 95 is a heavily traveled corridor, and an electric vehicle charging station will help draw visitors and economic activity to this area, while also supporting the environmental and cost-saving benefits of electric vehicles,” said Halifax EMC Executive Vice President Charles Guerry. “EVs offer numerous opportunities to both drivers and communities and bringing this charging station to Halifax EMC’s service area is an example of our commitment to building a brighter future for the people and communities we serve.”
SYEMC, in partnership with Circle K and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, has installed and energized a new ChargePoint DC fast charger along the Interstate 77 corridor in Surry County, the first of its kind for a 121-mile stretch of I-77 between Wytheville, Virginia, and Cornelius, NC.
On Sept. 15, co-op leaders and local officials cut the ribbon officially welcoming a new DC fast charger installed by SYEMC and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.
“This is something big to celebrate,” said Travis Bode, key accounts and energy services coordinator for SYEMC. “We’re not only honored for ourselves and for Circle K, but for Surry County. It’s nice to know that here in Dobson, Surry County, a tenth of a mile from I-77, is the first one in North Carolina. It’s a nice boost for area businesses and for the county.”
SYEMC will install an additional Level II charger this year at the visitors center parking lot at Hanging Rock State Park. This will be the second installed at a state park by an electric cooperative in North Carolina.
The investments expand the existing electric cooperative EV charging network, which encompasses public charging stations at nearly 60 locations. Eight of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives were also recently awarded funding through the North Carolina Volkswagen Settlement to grow this network even further.
The stations are part of a $1 million investment North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are making in rural electric vehicle charging infrastructure across North Carolina. ChargePoint, an industry leader in EV charging infrastructure and networks, will supply the equipment and apply technical expertise in managing and installing the sites.