County officials unveiled a new electric car charging station at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park Tuesday afternoon. The installation is part of a state-wide initiative to increase the number of electric cars on the road along with more charging stations available throughout the state. 

This summer, the Legislature accepted a NYSERDA grant to add charging stations in Erie County. NYSERDA, through its Charge NY program, looks to incentivize both purchasers of electric vehicles as well as municipalities who agree to maintain and install charging stations. The program allows for total cost of $8,000 for one charging station. The ChargePoint level 2 dual port charging station that was installed can be used by any plug-in electric vehicle and drivers can access it with a ChargePoint ID card, ChargePoint app, or by calling the 1-800 number on the station screen. This type of charging station adds 10-20 miles per hour of charge.

“Erie County is proud to promote clean, renewable energy,” said Legislator John Mills. “With the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, charging stations need to be more accessible and our parks are the perfect place. This will benefit electric vehicle owners who live in the community, are passing through, or simply enjoying Chestnut Ridge Park.”