Electric cars may be the wave of the future for commuters, and The University of New Mexico (UNM) wants to encourage and support consumers who choose this new technology for their automobiles. Two ChargePoint® Level 2 Commercial Charging Stations have been installed on the UNM Main Campus; one on the fourth level of the Cornell Parking Structure, and one on the first level of the Yale Parking Structure.  Each charging station can connect to two vehicles at one time.

Last year, Parking & Transportation Services (PATS) and David Penasa, manager in the Physical Plant Department (PPD) Engineering & Energy Services, submitted an application to the UNM Green Fund with the hope of receiving $20,000 in funding to install these EV charging stations. The application was approved because the project was in-line with the mission of the fund: to facilitate long-term sustainability initiatives to both the UNM infrastructure and education.

“The new electrical vehicle charging stations on campus illustrates UNM’s commitment to sustainability in two ways.  First, they were paid for out of the Green Fund, and second they support the use of alternative transportation to campus,” says Mary Clark, manager of The Office of Sustainability. 

Once these funds were awarded, PATS and PPD Engineering & Energy Services got to work to select the right equipment and location to support EV commuters on UNM’s Main Campus.

“PATS is very happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with a fellow UNM department (PPD), and as a result to be able to offer this new service to customers,” says Barbara Morck, director of PATS.

This is one of many “green” initiatives offered through PATS.  Users of the EV stations will not be required to purchase the electricity used to charge their vehicles, but should expect to pay normal parking rates ($1 per ½ hour; max of four hours).

“The software associated with the charging stations allows us to track usage, the number of charges, and the amount of energy used per charge.  This will enable us to determine UNM’s level of need. We anticipate in the near future the need for similar charging stations located on the North and South campuses in addition to Main campus,” says Morck.

The UNM charging station locations already appear on various EV websites such as ChargePoint® and Plugshare.  Please note that ChargePoint® cards will be required to release the plug to connect to the vehicles for charging purposes.  For more information about UNM’s EV charging stations, please visit http://pats.unm.edu/alternative-transport/electric-vehicle-charging/index.cfm.