On Tuesday, Dec. 14, Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) unveiled its new solar-powered electric vehicle charging station to the public.
Made possible through federal grant funding, the Beam EV Arc is a part of the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership, a three-year, $6 million project funded by the Department of Energy to create an ecosystem for electric vehicles in the region. The charging station is located at VCC’s office in Harrisonburg, Virginia and is free to the public.
Many electric vehicle enthusiasts and community members came out to see the ribbon-cutting and enjoy coffee and cookies.
“Virginia Clean Cities is excited to host this innovative electric vehicle charging station right here in Harrisonburg,” Alleyn Harned, VCC Executive Director, said. “This not only provides zero-emission vehicle charging from electricity sourced from pure sunshine, but also serves as a valuable research and teaching tool for students at James Madison University, and is part of a two-station pilot program in Virginia and West Virginia.”
Keith Holland, a vice provost of James Madison University’s Office of Research and Scholarship also said a few words at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He echoed the excitement of Harned and is also eager to see the potential research opportunities the solar EV charger will provide to JMU faculty and students.
For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership, visit VCC’s website. If you have any questions or are looking for additional project information, reach out to VCC program coordinator Bruce Vlk at bvlk@vacleancities.org.
