Another Fast Charging Station Unveiled
ZEF Energy Helps Alexandria Put in its First DC Fast Station
Alexandria, Minnesota debuted its new public electric vehicle charging hub during a virtual showcase on July 22nd. The event was held in-person (with proper social distancing practices) and virtually to help commemorate the collaborate that has been under way since 2018. The new station is located at the Simonson Station Store in Alexandria and was developed by ZEF Energy. …As all of the best unveiling celebrations do, this event also included a large prop pair of scissors and an oversized ribbon!
“Our Station Store is excited to be part of this project. We think our location is a perfect fit for travelers on I-94/MN-29. Even locally it is an easy location to get to. And with the restaurants and hotel right there, what could be better?” said owner Arch Simonson.
The ZEF Energy charging hub allows for as many as three (3) electric vehicles to charge at the same time. The station includes one direct current fast charger (DCFC) and two (2) Level 2 chargers. The 50 kW charger provides 200 miles of battery range for every hour a light-duty vehicle is plugged in, while the two Level 2 chargers provide 25 miles of battery range for every hour a light-duty vehicle is plugged in.
“To find a location near the intersection of I-94 and MN-29 to host this station was not easy but this site worked out perfectly,” ZEF Energy CEO Matthew Blackler said. “It is my hope that others can see this endeavor and be inspired to also become an electric vehicle driver destination.”
The M2M project, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy ($4.9 million grant), lead by the Gast Technologies Institute, provided base funding for this charging station. The project was facilitated in partnership with Clean Cities coalitions in North Dakota and the Twin Cities, focused on building alternative fuel infrastructure along I-94 corridor.
Lisa Thurstin, the Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition Coordinator shared that, “this station fills a gap in the I-94 corridor for electric vehicle charging in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Adding options for electric vehicle charging along the I-94 corridor helps improve air quality, boosts economic development, reduces our nation’s dependence on imported oil and supports local jobs.”
Arch Simonson willingness and excitement to be the first DC fast charging station in the area was apparent throughout the project. “He was as equally ready and excited about the opportunity as we were,” said Scott Deitz, ALP Operations Manager.” ZEF Energy was proud to be a partner on this projects and other M2M sites that are being unveiled this summer (2020).