Solar-powered electric vehicle charging station opens in Georgia

Contributed by David Lefkovits, LEFKO Design + Build

Credit: Andria Brooks

Credit: Andria Brooks

Contributed by David Lefkovits, LEFKO Design + Build
Georgia’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station to be built at a Visitor Information or Welcome Center was unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 14 in West Point, Ga.

Credit: Andria Brooks

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Credit: Andria Brooks

Georgia's first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station to be built at a Visitor Information or Welcome Center was unveiled Wednesday in West Point, Ga.

The station will be activated and plugged into a Kia Soul -- a fitting start since the Kia plant is located in West Point.

The electric vehicle charger is a Level 3 “quick charge” station capable of providing 80 percent or more battery charge in less than 45 minutes for most EVs. The location at West Point will be especially convenient for people traveling between Georgia and Alabama. And, it's free.

The initiative is part of an ongoing project called the Ray C. Anderson Memorial Highway, a 16-mile stretch of road between exits 2 and 18 where environmentally friendly road designs are being tested. The roadway is named after the late global carpet tile manufacturing mogul, who was a champion for sustainability.

The Georgia Visitor Information Center is on  I-85 North near the Georgia-Alabama state line in West Point. Coming from Atlanta, take I-85 South to the first Alabama exit (#79), turn left and cross the bridge. Turn left to re-enter I-85 northbound for about one mile. The entrance is the first exit in Georgia.