Electric Vehicle Charging Comes to Downtown Negaunee
The city of Negaunee has officially opened its new dual-electric car charging stations, marking a significant enhancement to its downtown area. This development is part of the Downtown Enhancement Project that took place from 2023 to 2024. The project was made possible through funding from the Revitalization and Placemaking grant provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a grant from WPPI, Negaunee’s member-owned public power provider.
The charging stations installed are ZEF type, designed to charge electric vehicles at a slower rate compared to quick charging units. According to Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron, this type was chosen due to cost considerations and to encourage users to spend more time in the downtown area while their vehicles charge. “We chose this type of system over quick charging units due to the overall costs, and to provide more opportunities for users to spend their time in our downtown while they wait,” Heffron explained in a press release.
Two charging stations are now available in the downtown area: one located at Chiri Park and the other on Tobin Street. These dual-charger stations can accommodate two vehicles simultaneously. To ensure availability for electric vehicle users, dedicated parking spaces have been reserved from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To use the charging stations, users need to scan the QR code on the device, which prompts them to download an application and create an online account. Payments for the charging service will be managed through this app.
Heffron noted that there has already been interest in the charging stations before their official public announcement. “We have already seen a few people using them before we have officially announced they were available to the public. As electric vehicles become more prominent, we expect to see more in the coming years,” he said.
For more information about the charging stations, you can contact Nate Heffron at 906-475-7700, ext. 11.
