Dane County seeks host sites for four new EV chargers near Esher apartments

The Village of Cross Plains' Sustainability Committee convened on July 3, 2025, to discuss the potential installation of Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in partnership with Dane County's EV Charge Up grant program. The initiative aims to enhance local EV infrastructure by providing four chargers at a designated site, with the county covering all installation and equipment costs.

The proposed location for the chargers is a parking lot near the Esher apartments, which is owned by the village. The committee emphasized the importance of selecting a site that is both accessible and visible to encourage usage. Discussions included the possibility of placing the chargers in a location that would benefit nearby businesses, allowing users to engage with local services while their vehicles charge.

The county's plan includes a five-year commitment to set affordable charging fees, which would help offset the electricity costs incurred by the village. The committee expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a beneficial opportunity for the community. They noted that the existing charging station in the village is a Level 1 charger, which is less appealing to users compared to the proposed Level 2 chargers.

Committee members also discussed the need for effective advertising to raise awareness about the new chargers, should the grant application be successful. They acknowledged that many residents are currently unaware of existing charging options in the area.

The committee plans to finalize the grant application soon, with hopes of securing funding to improve EV charging accessibility in Cross Plains. The discussions highlighted the village's commitment to sustainability and the importance of enhancing local infrastructure to support electric vehicle usage.