members and the surrounding St. Henry community will receive a boost of power on the road 鈥 that is, those with electric vehicles can plug in at the co-op鈥檚 first Level 2 charging station installed at . The electric vehicle charging station, completed in February, accommodates two vehicles and is available to the community 24/7 free of charge (for a limited time only).
The number of EVs on the road continues to rise, and Midwest Electric wants to stay on the forefront of emerging technology to meet members鈥 needs, improve green technology, and showcase their 7 Cooperative Principles, one of which is 鈥淐oncern for Community.鈥
鈥淓lectric vehicles have a very low market share today, but we want to be innovative and on the front end of providing this service to our members and to the community,鈥 said CEO Matt Berry. 鈥淭his project will also provide us with data on electric vehicle charging that will be helpful as we expand our EV programs. We are happy to help drive traffic to , one of our members.鈥
The co-op also provides a $200 electric vehicle level 2 charger rebate to members and member businesses to encourage charging during overnight hours, when overall electricity demand is low. for more information on rebates offered by Midwest Electric.听
The Level 2 charging station is part of a global partnership with U.S.-based company ChargePoint, who boasts the world鈥檚 largest EV charging network. Those wishing to charge their vehicle will need to , where they can receive 24/7 driving support and find a list of other charging stations around the country. 聽The station will allow two vehicles to charge simultaneously at a rate of 7.2 kW, giving customers a maximum charge rate of 25 RPH (miles of Range Per Hour). 聽
Midwest Electric is following a nationwide electric cooperative trend and hopes to install another charger later in 2022.
鈥淧rograms like this demonstrate the co-ops鈥 commitment to improving access to environmentally friendly electric technologies for their members, educate the public about electric transportation and showcase the co-ops鈥 concern for their regions by investing in a local company that is committed to the citizens of their communities,鈥 said Brian Sloboda, director of consumer solutions for the .
Based in St. Marys, Midwest Electric is the not-for-profit, customer-owned electric cooperative serving 11,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Van Wert, Shelby, Putnam, and Darke counties. To learn more, visit .听
Pictured above: (L-R) Niekamp Farm Market owner Mike Niekamp, Midwest Electric Business Development Coordinator Joel Johns, Midwest Electric CEO Matt Berry, and 黄瓜短视频鈥檚 Electric Cooperatives Director of Cooperative Development Tim Street attend the opening ceremony for the electric vehicle charging station funded by Midwest Electric and their statewide organization. The Level 2 ChargePoint charging station is located at 6133 Olding Rd, St Henry, and is free for the community to use.