Reinhardt University president, Dr. Mark A. Roberts is launching Reinhardt into the age of sustainable transportation. Through a grant from Georgia Power and a contribution from Dr. Robert Keller and the Atlantic Coast Conservancy, the university installed three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus. Now, EV owners can charge their vehicles whether living, working or visiting Reinhardt’s beautiful campus.
The popularity and sales of EVs steadily climb each year. According to the Edison Electric Institute, in 2018, over one million EVs traveled our country’s roads. As the number of EVs increase, so does the need to charge them. In this, Reinhardt seized the opportunity.
“These charging stations make Reinhardt’s campus an electrical oasis in a charging desert,” said Dr. Walter May, dean of students. “Reinhardt is always looking for opportunities to enhance the quality of life in the Waleska area and provide added value for our students, faculty and staff and campus visitors. The addition of electric vehicle chargers is one more way we can make our community an attractive place to learn, work, and play.”
The grant from Georgia Power is part of their Make Ready Electric Transportation Program. The Program supports the growing electric vehicle market by building the necessary power infrastructure needed to support EV charging stations. Through this program, Georgia Power installs, owns and operates all of the charging infrastructure, which includes the panel, switchgear, wiring, conduits and disconnects. Georgia Power also provided Reinhardt University additional power capacity to expand EV charging stations over time as the number of electric vehicles on campus expands.
Dr. Robert Keller’s generous gift to Reinhardt covered the costs of the charging stations.
“Reinhardt seeks to be a good steward of our environment. This important project supports the University’s RU Green sustainability initiative and our commitment to provide sustainable programs, services and resources for the campus community,” said May.
The charging stations are located near Roberts Hall, Tarpley Education Center, and between the Funk Heritage Center and East Apartments. All charging stations accommodate the charging of two vehicles at a time and are level 2 chargers (208V) which charges an EV in just a few hours. Charging is available for a maximum of four hours and charging a vehicle is free.
“When the University partners with like-minded organizations such as Georgia Power and the Atlantic Coast Conservancy, we can make real change,” said Dr. Mark A. Roberts, president of Reinhardt University. “With this initiative, Reinhardt students will recognize that their University and their community are collaborating to positively impact generations to come. I am thankful for this partnership, my team members who worked on the plan, and the measurable good it will bring to Reinhardt and the region.”
An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Tarpley Education Center charging station.
