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Committee approves public access to county solar EV charger for pilot measurement
Summary
Committee approved a policy allowing public access to a county-owned, solar-powered electric vehicle charging station purchased with ARPA funds to measure demand and inform future charging infrastructure planning.
The Community Service & Public Safety Committee on March 16 approved a policy allowing public access to a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station owned by Beaufort County and purchased with ARPA funds.
County staff described the unit as an existing county capital asset currently located in the administrative parking lot; it is solar powered, was purchased in 2023, can charge two vehicles simultaneously and is said to provide up to about 265 e-miles from its onboard battery when fully charged. Staff told the committee the unit will be offered to the public free of charge so the county can measure usage and inform future siting and grant applications.
Committee members asked technical questions about charge rate and practical use, noting the unit's utility is greatest where charging deserts exist. Staff said northern Beaufort County has relatively few public chargers and that the county's CIP team is exploring federal grant funding for additional infrastructure; this fee-free pilot will help determine demand and suitable public locations.
The committee approved the resolution with no objection.
What happens next: staff will make the unit publicly accessible under an indemnity policy, track usage, and pursue data-driven placement of future chargers with possible federal grant support.
