FEATURE | CONNECTION
BISMARCK PLUGS THE GAP ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk Bismarck has plugged the gap for rapid charging of electric vehicles in central North Dakota. In July, the City of Bismarck installed two, publicly available, Level 3 fast electric vehicle charging stations. The two charging stations are at the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau and Bismarck Airport.
In July, the City of Bismarck installed two, publicly available, Level 3 fast electric vehicle charging stations. This charging station is at the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“This really helps pivot and makes Bismarck attractive to a 21st century workforce and benefits tourism in our community,” said Bismarck City Planner Will Hutchings. While Bismarck previously had lower-rated charging stations, the Level 3 charging stations are the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle. Level 3 stations charge a vehicle in 30-45 minutes. A Level 2 station takes 3-4 hours, and a Level 1 charger takes a full day. Last year, Tesla installed Level 3 chargers in Pinehurst Square shopping center, but those are limited to Tesla vehicles. “The charging stations help make our community a destination and help stimulate economic growth,” said Sheri Grossman, CEO of Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s always nice for us to have new offerings for visitors. Even if they’re just passing through this time, we have the opportunity to convince them to come back and plan a longer visit next time.” Previously, travelers were known to avoid driving across North Dakota due to its lack of charging stations. When combined with existing charging stations in the state, the addition of these Level 3 chargers makes electric vehicle travel across North Dakota is possible. “Our location in central North Dakota makes these beneficial not only to Bismarck tourism but also the greater state,” Hutchings said. “It will make electric vehicle travel and ownership more viable.” The fast-charging stations are manufactured and supported by ChargePoint, Inc. and accessed using the ChargePoint app. The initial charging rates established at these stations is a $5.00 connection fee and $.25 per kWh used.
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Photo Credit: Krista Rausch/Capital Electric Cooperative
The two charging locations were chosen to provide ease of access for both residents and visitors. Bismarck Airport provides an opportunity for car rental agencies to add more electric vehicles to their inventory. Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau is located next to Interstate 94 and near coffee shops, dining, and shopping.
