New electronic vehicle charging stations coming to the area

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Duke Energy aims to increase the number of public EV charging stations in North Carolina by 30 percent.

It’s part of Duke Energy’s “EV Charging Infrastructure Project.”

The 200 new public stations are planned for 50 counties, including our area.

The $1 million project pays up to $5,000 for the purchase and installation of each charging port. That should cover the cost of the stations – depending on its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. The project received overwhelming interest – with more than 500 charging stations requested from around the state.

“The robust interest throughout the state is a positive sign that public EV charging will continue to grow in North Carolina,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Expanding charging infrastructure is critical for more EV adoption in the future.”

Brunswick EMC, Southport, UNCW and CFCC were each awarded two charging stations.

Duke Energy has been active in building public charging stations at parking decks, libraries and shopping areas. According to Advanced Energy, an independent, non-profit organization established by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, there are about 5,300 registered plug-in EVs and about 700 public charging ports spread out around the state.

Recipients have the ability to put the charging stations in a location of their choice – and operate them how they see fit.

The Duke Energy program was part of a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups.