Electric charging stations included in $1 Trillion infrastructure bill while City of Austin makes push to expand fleet
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AUSTIN (KXAN) – A trillion dollar infrastructure bill hits President Joe Biden’s desk on Monday. Linked to this is a plan to spend billions on electric charging stations in the US
The decision comes as the city of Austin seeks to expand its electric car footprint.
“This is the largest electrification and transportation showcase they have ever held in the country,” said Bobby Godsey, Austin Energy electric vehicle specialist.
At the Circuit of the Americas you will find the very first electrification show this weekend.
The huge outdoor Electrify Expo promises to be a one-stop shop for people who want to experience electric vehicles and new products. The participants experienced test drives, new products and future technologies.
“We’re providing the fuel for these electric vehicles that are about to hit the streets,” said Godsey.
There are over 1200 electric charging stations in the city of Austin, according to Austin Energy. Bobby Godsey says Austin is number five in the nation when it comes to electric vehicles.
“Other cities have yet to come,” said Godsey. “Fast charging stations are already available to users, but with this calculation we can add a lot more infrastructure to the highways.”
The city of Austin goes beyond its own charging stations and works with other cities and organizations. According to Godsey, smaller, more rural towns have turned to Austin Energy to bring their own charging fleets online.
“The city of Austin is really forward-thinking,” said Matt Teske, founder of Charge Way.
Matt Teske founded Charge Way, an app that helps electric owners navigate their vehicle.
“We use colors and numbers,” says Teske. “The numbers you see on the map show you the performance there at this station. If there is a higher number, you can top up faster. ”
Teske is on board President Biden’s infrastructure push.
“The bill will play a role in that, and more fast chargers on the freeway would be helpful so people can see how to make road trips, but that’s still an educational thing,” Teske said.
An organization called Ferry has just started in Austin and is also working to get more electricity users online.
“You can give it a try if you’ve never driven an electric vehicle before, if you’re not sure it’s right for your lifestyle,” said Mayra Del Bello, Ferry Marketing Director.
Ferry enables people to lease an electric vehicle for six months. The company says it is a move to accelerate electric mobility in the US
The Electrify Expo will take place again on Sunday, November 13th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Circuit of the Americas. Please see this link for more information.
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