EVs: More and More Popular
Fasten your seat belt because electrical vehicles’ (EVs) popularity is increasing at lightning speed. With increased technology to improve range, performance, and model availability, sales of electric vehicles have increased exponentially in recent years. Compared to gas fueled engines, electric vehicles have many benefits: they cost less to maintain (no more oil changes for example), their engines are quiet, and they are quick to accelerate.
EV on School Campuses
Electrical Vehicles on school campuses are a great way to promote the use of alternative fuels, broadcast a commitment to sustainable action, and incentivize faculty and staff to purchase electric vehicles. Additionally, EV charging stations provide a unique opportunity to teach students about clean energy.
EV charging station at Princeton Day School. Photo by Robert Clemens.
How EV Charging Works
EV charging stations come in three levels depending on the voltage required and speed of charge. Speed of charge is listed as Range miles Per Hour (RPH). The faster the charge, the more voltage required and the more expensive the station. The 3 levels include:
Level 1: at home 120 volts, 2-5 RPH
Level 2: 220-240 volts, max 25 RPH
DC Fast/ Level 3: up to 150 RPH
Level 2 is a good option for home owners and schools.
Schools are Leading Change
Ben Rich, Upper School Science Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator Montclair Kimberley Academy, shows a newly installed EV charging station on campus.
Schools across the country have installed or are currently looking into installing EV charging stations. We recently caught up with three independent schools–Montclair Kimberley Academy, Princeton Day School, and the Lawrenceville School–and asked them to share their EV charging station experiences.
Ben Rich, Upper School Science Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator Montclair Kimberley Academy, shared that his school installed three Level 2 charging stations.
“The stations have been a great success overall,” noted Rich. “They've inspired people to feel more comfortable purchasing electric cars. Charging at work is a great incentive for those that may not be able to charge at home or live far away”.
Robert Clemens, Director of Facility Operations, at Princeton Day School expressed similar sentiments as the school installed two Level 2 charging stations with dual ports. Clemens noted:
“The faculty, staff and students appreciate having convenient access to charging.”
What About EV Charging Costs?
There are upfront costs. A Level 2 charging station typically costs between $2000 and $5000, not including installation. Labor, permitting, and other materials can bring the total cost to roughly $13,000-$25,000. Keep in mind that there will be ongoing maintenance and energy costs.
For example, Clemens from Princeton Day School explained that the total costs for the EV charger amounted to approximately $25,000 because the storage building required a service upgrade to accommodate the voltage of the station.
The Lawrenceville School is also factoring costs into their charging station plans. They currently have one dual-port Chargepoint station. Stephen Laubach, Director of Sustainability and a science teacher at Lawrenceville, notes that the School has a hybrid approach in mind for next steps, with an eye towards managing expenses.
EV charging station at the Lawrenceville School. Photo by Stephen Laubach.
“We are looking into having the more expensive Chargepoint stations at public spaces on campus such as the fieldhouse parking lot. For other internal locations we plan on installing simpler stations where facilities will coordinate assembly and installation instead of going through a provider.”
Is There Funding Support?
To offset charges, Pennsylvania offers rebate programs for EV Charging purchase and installation. Rebates are also available in both states for purchasing electric vehicles.
Alumni donations covered the costs of the EV charger for the Lawrenceville School, and the chargers at Princeton Day School were funded entirely by the school. Montclair Kimberley Academy received a grant from It Pay$ to Plug In, which offers grants to offset the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle charging stations. The program was created to grow New Jersey’s EV network and make it easier for residents, businesses, and government agencies to buy and use EVs.
New Jersey offers grants through NJCEP’s Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program. This program allows local and state government entities (including schools) in New Jersey to apply for $4,000 grants for battery electric vehicles, $5,000 grants for public Level-Two chargers, and $4,000 grants for fleet Level-Two EV charging stations. View the application here to learn more. Due date for grant applications is June 2, 2023.
Takeaways
Installing EV charging stations not only allows for easy charging, but also helps reduce campus carbon footprints, and incentivizes the purchase of EVs for faculty and staff. Installing EVs on campus is also an important way to broadcast a clear commitment to sustainable action and can be a key piece in the overarching sustainability framework of the school. It’s just a matter of time before EV charging stations will be ubiquitous. Will your school have the next EV charging station?
Article by Claire DuBois, Haverford College ‘22, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.
Printed in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol. XII, No. 4 - March 17, 2023.
