Xcel Energy’s Pilot Program Will Expand Minnesota’s Charging Network
Xcel Energy recently announced a new pilot program that will expand public charging networks and help electrify car-sharing services in Minnesota. State regulators approved the pilot earlier this month. The project will expand infrastructure for electrifying government fleets and create 70 community mobility hubs in the Twin Cities.
Per Energy News Network’s Frank Jossi, local nonprofit vehicle-sharing service Hourcar will supply vehicles for the program. This will help the company reach its goal of having a fully-electric fleet by 2020.
More details on the project
Xcel will invest $9.2 million in the public charging infrastructure, and the remaining $14.4 million on electrifying the government’s transportation fleet. Per Jossi, the project will be three-pronged. First, Xcel will install 90 charging ports in Minneapolis. Secondly, it will establish charging infrastructure on Metro Transit’s first electric bus route in the city. Thirdly, the company will add 200 charging ports specifically for the state’s government vehicles to use.
The goal of the program is to expand public transit options in an eco-friendly way. Additionally, 50 percent of the community hub charges will be rooted in low-income neighborhoods and in close proximity to public transit stops.
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Why the Xcel program is unique
Though the Minnesota pilot program takes its cue from approved pilots in Ohio and Michigan, it holds the distinction of being the biggest program in the Midwest, according to Sierra Club associate attorney Joe Halso.
The new electrification plan should help Minnesota minimize its carbon footprint. This new pilot definitely sets a positive example that other states should consider following.
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News Source: Energy News Network
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