Overview of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVSE) Grants
The Pioneer Valley stretches from the the borders of Connecticut to Vermont and supports a major transportation artery, Interstate 91. The map below, is taken from a map compiled by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and shows the percentage of total registered vehicles that are hybrid or plug-in electric. The map shows that the Connecticut River valley, particularly the the mid-Valley, has a significant level of hybrid vehicles. Most electric vehicle advocates point to hybrid ownership as an indicator of the level of possible interest in electric vehicles. The Pioneer Valley with major colleges in Northampton, Amherst, South Hadley and community colleges in Holyoke and Greenfield has a population with many early adaptors of new, environmentally friendly technology.
The cities of Holyoke and Northampton and the Town of Greenfield have spent considerable time working together in the development of their individual EVSE applications and have: worked together to chose destination locations that support the regional use of electric vehicles; jointly coordinated with local electric utilities – Holyoke Gas and Electric, Western Massachusetts Electric and National Grid to review existing electric infrastructure in the respective locations in each town; as well as, gain support from their retail partners and local governments to create the I-91 Electric Vehicle Charging Corridor.
Holyoke’s charging site is the southern most point in the corridor and will be located at a major regional shopping mall, near the intersection of the MassPike and I-91. This site promotes not only local in-town use of EV’s but assists others in neighboring communities throughout the Valley to feel confident of being able to drive their EV to a regional destination and have a place to charge for the return home after shopping.
Downtown Northampton is a destination location for shoppers and diners from within the region as well as out of state. The location of charging stations at the City-owned parking garage as well as at the near-by Roundhouse parking lot will provide EV owners with the comfort to drive, what could be a significant distance, to dine at one of the premier restaurants, or shop at any of the unique stores located in its vibrant downtown.
Greenfield located at the junction of Route 2 and I-91, is the focal point of Franklin County and the northern most charging point in the I-91 Corridor. Greenfield will locate its three charging stations near the entrance to the Greenfield Energy Park in downtown, in the Town Hall parking area, as well as Greenfield Community College. Downtown Greenfield also has an active downtown with a movie theater and a number of excellent dining establishments that attract local and regional diners and shoppers.
These three Pioneer Valley locations provide charging facilities in very active travel destinations which are connected by a major interstate highway. The locations, the commitment of the respective local governments, retail partners and electric utilities will be able to plan, develop, install and maintain the infrastructure needed to support local EV owners as well as those in near-by towns, the region and out-of-state EV owners.
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