Lewes Ferry Terminal to install electric vehicle charging stations

Delaware River and Bay Authority officials have announced an agreement to place two electric vehicle charging stations at the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

The charging stations will be provided free of charge to the DRBA through a collaborative research agreement between the University of Delaware and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The program, Charging Up Delaware, is designed to promote a network of charging stations to facilitate long-distance trips with electric vehicles within the state. Officials expect the vehicle charging stations to be installed by mid-December.

“We’re pleased to be able to participate in this unique green initiative that promotes energy efficiency,” said Scott Green, executive director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority. “With the number of interstate travelers using the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and our close proximity to neighboring resort communities, the Lewes Terminal is a prime location to host these charging stations. It’s a great service for our customers and the community.”

Green said the authority supports the sensible adoption of green energy technology, and this new infrastructure supports greater use of electric vehicles, which do not release air pollution or carbon dioxide.

The charging stations will be publicly available during the Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s business hours. The charging stations will be located in the public parking lot near the terminal building (adjacent to the handicapped parking area). The DRBA maintenance department will install both the charging stations and the terminal signage directing electric vehicle owners to the station location. Two stations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Willett Kempton, a professor in UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, and Kathleen Harris, a graduate researcher in the college, worked with the DRBA on the setup plan for the charging stations. The research team will remotely monitor station usage and provide reports to DRBA on the Lewes Terminal charging stations.

The Charging Up Delaware program is designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by removing a significant obstacle: range anxiety. Potential buyers may hesitate to purchase the vehicles for fear that their battery will run out of charge beyond the range of a charging station.

Based on studies by UD and other EV research institutions, placing charging stations at key locations will encourage use of electric vehicles, whether used to recharge, or simply to lower anxiety by drivers knowing they are available if needed.

Also, existing incentives make electric cars appealing, including a federal purchase credit, a reduced carbon footprint and reduced fuel costs. Drivers can download convenient smartphone apps like Plugshare to locate charging stations when traveling. The UD-DNREC program, Charging Up Delaware, is working toward making the entire state within an electric car’s range.

For more information on the UD-DNREC program, go to www.udel.edu/udaily/2014/feb/ev-charging-stations-021914.html.