Decatur taking EV charging to the next ‘level’

DECATUR — It’s not quite “gone in 60 seconds,” but new charging stations in Decatur can have drivers gone in 30 minutes.

Decatur Utilities is unveiling a pair of Level 3 Fast Electric Vehicle charging stations that can charge the average Electric Vehicle to 80% within 30 minutes. The chargers, installed by Dobbs & Company Electrical Contractors, have power output from 60kW to 120kW.

The utility, TVA, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, City of Decatur and Seven States Power will hold a ribbon-cutting Thursday at 10 a.m. for the new stations. They are in the parking lot on Holly Street between the Princess Theatre and the Cook Museum of Natural History.

“DU is pleased to participate in this endeavor,” said Ray Hardin, General Manager of Decatur Utilities.  “Electric vehicles are becoming more popular with each passing year and this will ensure that motorists have access to a rapid charging station – whether they are local residents or visitors traveling through our area.”

This installation is part of the regional Fast Charge Network that will cover major travel corridors across TVA’s seven-state service area and will complement the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition, which seeks to enable long-distance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the United States.

“TVA is partnering with local power companies like Decatur Utilities and state agencies like ADECA to invest in charging infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley region because electric vehicles benefit everyone,” said Jared Mitchem, TVA Regional vice president – South. “These investments allow TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism – all powered by electricity from TVA and your local power company.”

TVA and ADECA provided the funding, Decatur provided two parking spaces and Seven States Power coordinated the project with DU’s Electric Engineering team.

“This did not involve any direct funds from our ratepayers,” Hardin said. “However, they will reap the benefit of having a rapid charging station here in the DU service area.”

Customers using the chargers pay a retail rate for the electricity used.

“Seven States is trusted by local power companies across the Tennessee Valley to deliver EV charging technology for their consumers,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, president and CEO of Seven States Power. “Impactful partnerships like this benefit the local community and regional economy.”

To learn more about the Fast Charge Network, calculate how much money an EV could save or locate EV charging stations, check out https://energyright.com/ev/.