Electric vehicle (EV) drivers who frequent the Western University campus will soon have access to 74 new charging stations in that area.
Adding to the six existing EV chargers on campus, this initiative will bring the total number of on-campus charging stations to 80 over the next two years.
Most of the chargers will be level 2, which provide 240-volt power. Two of the new stations will be level 3, which the university refers to as "powerful rapid chargers."
The charging stations will be dispersed throughout campus to ensure accessibility for campus-goers and other Londoners.
"Embracing the adoption of EV charging on campus is another way Western is demonstrating leadership in sustainability, and our commitment to a net-zero future,” said Heather Hyde, Western’s director of sustainability.
The university made a joint investment of $1.45-million in this project with Natural Resources Canada through its Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
Western has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, while aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
The institution is in the process of transitioning its fleet from diesel to electric, with three EV's already on order for the facilities team.
"This project will have a direct and positive impact in reducing our emissions from transportation,” Hyde said. “This initiative supports the City of London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, as it will provide additional public EV charging capacity within the city. It also complements other initiatives such as Western’s Open Space Strategy which is creating a safer, more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly campus.”