Roanoke Electric Cooperative unveiled its first rapid charging station for electric vehicles in its service territory this week at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Halifax, N.C. The co-op purchased the cutting-edge, three-phase power charger, which has been deployed at the Oasis Travel Center a truck stop near Exit 168, off Interstate 95.
Called the EdgeEV70, this type of fast charging station is a rarity in the northeastern region of the state. It can provide EVs a full battery charge in approximately 30 minutes versus four to six hours provided by a lower-phase charging station. EdgeEnergy, a subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Single Phase Power Solutions LLC., manufactured and installed the power source at the truck stop, located at 10401 Route 903 in Halifax.
“On behalf of the region’s EV owners, local businesses that will benefit from increased traffic, and motorists passing through the area, the co-op is thrilled to bring this innovative and – in our region – extremely rare technology to fruition,” said Curtis Wynn, the co-op’s president and chief executive officer. “Rapid EV charging stations are few and far between in northeastern North Carolina. The ribbon-cutting reflects our determination to bring more clean energy resources to this part of the state to help retain its beauty and accelerate its economic growth.”
More than 50 community leaders attended the April 13 unveiling ceremony, including Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission.
She said the new charging station addresses a major concern of EV drivers, who feared running out of power between charging stations along this 1-95 corridor. Having this new option so easily accessible for EV drivers is a major step toward advancing economic development and tourism in the region, she told the crowd.
Like other local representatives, Scott expressed gratitude for the co-op’s bold efforts to meet the critical needs of the community it serves. “If you look at Roanoke Electric Cooperative and what they continue to do, from electricity to broadband to vehicle charging, you really are a visionary and a pioneer.”
For more information about the co-op’s special offerings for electric vehicle owners, contact Anita Knight at 252-209-2243. For additional information about the charging station visit www.sppowersolutions.com or call 877-430-5634.