Apex has been awarded $24,000 toward Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in the community. Funds were awarded following a competitive application process as part of the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program.
“This grant moves us one step forward to our goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 for Town operations,” said Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert. “Expanding our use of electric vehicles also ties into the Council’s strategic goal of Environmental Leadership & Responsible Development.”
The 2050 clean energy goal includes the transition of municipal vehicle fleet to plug-in hybrid vehicles or all electric vehicles.
A town fleet assessment is currently underway, which will result in a Right-Sizing Plan, Vehicle Replacement and Infrastructure Support Plan for the next 10 years, recommendations for efficiency of vehicle support, and an evaluation of how well the Town follows the best practices and recommendations for improvements.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded its first round of funding for Level 2 charging stations totaling $422,000 as part of the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program. More than a quarter of the funding announced in the recent round was awarded in public power communities in North Carolina. The Level 2 EV Infrastructure Grant Program has proven competitive across the state, with $1.6 million in requests being submitted for $1.1 million in available funding through this stage of the program. DEQ anticipates additional Level 2 charging station funds will become available in Phase 2 of the program.
“ElectriCities public power members have a strong track record of paving the way for electric vehicle technology and other sustainable energy options in their local communities,” said Phil Bisesi, supervisor of residential energy services for ElectriCities. “With more than 120 electric vehicle charging stations in public power communities across the state, public power is leading the way and proud to be doing its part on the journey to a clean, emissions-free future. Clean energy is vital to the future of our communities, industry, and planet.”
The 19 ElectriCities member communities that comprise the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1) enjoy energy that is at least 95% carbon-free, with many communities enjoying 100% net-carbon-free energy. In the eastern part of the state, ElectriCities’ 32 member communities that make up the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) receive their power from Duke Energy Progress, which has reduced carbon emissions by more than 40 percent since 2005.
Previous Apex EV Grant Awards:
The Town’s vehicle fleet is going green due to support from the NC Solar Center at NC State University, using federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding provided by the NC Department of Transportation. The grant funding allowed the purchase of 3 all-electric Nissan Leafs, 1 plug-in, range-extended hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt, and 2 dual Level 2 EV chargers for municipal use. The Town of Apex is recognized by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) as an NC Smart Fleet Supporter. As part of grant programs through NC State University, the NC Solar Center and Advanced Energy, three electric vehicle charging ports were installed in downtown Apex in 2018. The charging stations include an Eaton DC Quick Charger and GE Level 2 Dual Pedestal Charger. Additionally, the Town of Apex was awarded the Air Quality Improvement Grant through the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project with the NCCETC in 2018. The grant funded a retrofit of three municipal bucket lift truck vehicles with electric power take-off units to reduce idling and reduce vehicle emissions.
The full list of projects receiving funding under the DEQ’s latest round of funding announcements can be found here. More information on the North Carolina Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program can be found here.
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Contact: Megan Pendell, Sustainability Coordinator, 919-418-1696, megan.pendell@apexnc.org