Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Southwest Virginia now have a new place to stop and charge. The Hampton Inn in Norton installed three new Level 2 dual-port EV charging stations. These Level 2 dual-port stations are the first for the city.
“This is the first step in building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure here in the city,” said City of Norton Mayor Joe Fawbush. “There is an opportunity to increase economic activity and tourism through these installations, and we want to ensure our businesses and community reap the benefits.”
The new EV stations offer six total charging ports and are open to the public. EV drivers passing through can stop and charge for a fee. The Hampton Inn is providing free EV charging for overnight guests.
“We are excited to offer electric vehicle charging to our guests and to add this station for EV drivers visiting downtown Norton,” said Hampton Inn General Manager Wes White. “Through our work with Virginia Clean Cities and the Rural Reimagined program we are able to meet sustainability goals that reduce our environmental impact and contribute to the well being of the communities where our hotels are located.”
Rural Reimagined is a federal U.S. Department of Energy grant that is designed to implement low-cost, clean transportation initiatives in rural communities of Appalachia. The program provides charging stations at no cost to site hosts and includes funding for a portion of the installation.
“The opportunities provided through Rural Reimagined, innovative collaboration and forward thinking leadership are contributing to growing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure network here in Southwest Virginia,” said VCC’s Clean Cities Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Southwest Virginia Tarah Kesterson. “We are seeing more communities and businesses see the benefits of adding EV charging as the number of people purchasing these vehicles continues to climb.”
“Expanding access to charging stations not only opens up new opportunities for Norton, but it creates jobs,” said owner of McElroy Services, Cody McElory, who did site plans and installed the charging stations. “As the EV Charging Network expands in Southwest Virginia, we will need new specialized electricians and mechanics to support this industry.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Hampton Inn today to celebrate this first of its kind access to charging in Norton. After the ceremony, a question and answer session took place following the event for communities and businesses looking to follow the Hampton Inn’s lead and install chargers.