Editor's note: The following is a press release originally published by Salt Lake County News Service.
SALT LAKE COUNTY —Partners from Salt Lake County, the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR), the state of Utah and others recently unveiled the first ever electric fast-charging station for public use along the Wasatch Front. It is located at 2001 S. State Street. The installation is part of a coordinated effort to improve air quality—in this case, by supporting the alternative fuel vehicle market.
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, UCAIR Director Ted Wilson, and Utah State Energy Advisor Cody Stewart said today’s “first” is the result of local and state government coming together on steps to eliminate the bad air days that occur during winter inversions. McAdams said Salt Lake County received grants totaling $39,600 from UCAIR and the state for installation of ABB, Inc.’s DC charging station, which has a 480v rate that is able to charge in 10-40 minutes.
“Owners of electric vehicles—which produce zero tailpipe emissions—need infrastructure so that they can conveniently drive longer trips. We’re stepping up to support that individual choice, which helps everyone breathe cleaner air,” said Mayor McAdams.
The Salt Lake County Council’s five Republicans and four Democrats supported the effort.
Councilman Richard Snelgrove said, “One person can make a difference in improving air quality. This is a good example. I appreciate Mayor McAdams’ leadership on this issue.”
UCAIR is a nonprofit, statewide clean air partnership. Ted Wilson, UCAIR Director, said the organization’s goal is to make it easier for individuals, businesses and communities to make small changes to improve Utah’s air.
"My congratulations to Mayor Ben McAdams and the County Council for recognizing that electric vehicles are now practical and friendly to our delicate air. I am sure the county parking lots will soon be filled with electric vehicles,” said Wilson.
Cody Stewart, Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s energy advisor said, “Diversifying our transportation options here on the Wasatch Front and throughout Utah will be essential as we strive to advance our clean air goals, and electric vehicles will play an important role. I’m pleased that our Governor’s Office of Energy Development has been able to partner with the County and UCAIR to make this exciting project happen.”
McAdams noted that since electric vehicles (EVs) emit no tailpipe pollutants, they cut down on the small particulate emissions that elevate health risks when trapped in valley air during winter inversions. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality says that vehicles contribute 57 percent of PM2.5 pollution. Besides the air quality benefit, McAdams said that driving an EV is likely to save over $1,000 annually in typical energy costs.
The partners say that additional electric-charging stations will be installed by Salt Lake City in the coming weeks, adding more re-charging options for EV drivers.
McAdams says the cost of using the county’s charging station will be a $2.00 flat fee and 20 cents per kilowatt (kw) plus tax. Experts say that’s about $5 to charge the battery to about 65 percent.
