By Dale Girard
Mayor of Claremont
As our community, like other communities, strives towards a greener and more sustainable future, the recent donation of an electric pickup and charging station to the Claremont Police Department is a promising step in the right direction. Given our changing environment, it’s time to accelerate this progress by expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout our city.
We extend our gratitude to the Barn café for taking the initiative to install level 2 charging stations. These charging points are an asset for EV owners, allowing them to recharge their vehicles conveniently. Nonetheless, if we truly want to have widespread adoption of electric vehicles and support the transition to cleaner transportation options, we must embrace level 3 EV charging.
Level 3, or DC Fast-Charging, is a game-changer. It provides significantly faster charging times, making electric vehicles a more viable option for long-distance travel while reducing range anxiety. With level 3 charging stations, Claremont can attract more EV owners and tourists alike, showcasing our city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Recognizing the importance of EV charging, our Planning & Development office has taken a proactive approach, by applying for a grant to fund the installation of charging stations. This grant is made possible through funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. While we eagerly await a decision on the grant, it’s crucial to keep the momentum going and explore other potential avenues for funding. Collaboration with local businesses, private-public partnerships or venture capital initiatives are all viable paths to bringing more charging stations to our community.
Expanding EV charging infrastructure not only benefits EV owners but also stimulates economic growth. With charging stations readily available, visitors are more likely to patronize local businesses while their vehicles recharge. The boost to tourism and commerce can invigorate Claremont’s economy, fostering a thriving and sustainable community.
Electrical vehicles traveling along Interstate 91 have few choices for level 3 chargers. Claremont would split the nearly 50 miles of highway between Bellows Falls and Lebanon.
Moreover, embracing level 3 charging stations aligns us with the larger environmental goals of the state and nation. Claremont needs to be at the forefront of progressive change, and adopting this advanced charging technology reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing carbon emissions.
As we anticipate the grant results, let us unite as a community and advocate for the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Together, let’s charge forward into a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future for Claremont, where electric vehicles are a common sight at charging stations across the city. Embracing level 3 EV charging is not just about powering vehicles–it’s about powering our commitment to a brighter tomorrow.
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