Electric vehicle charging station coming to Bonners Ferry

The city was notified this week that its grant application to install an electric vehicle charging station has been approved by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. The DC fast-charging station will be installed next to the Visitor Center in the spring.

The source of the funds for the charging station is the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement, and the funds are being dispersed in Idaho through the Department of Environmental Quality. Part of these funds are being used to fund an electric vehicle charging network across the United States to service the rapidly growing number of electric vehicles. The grant selection committee included representatives from the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Department of Environmental Quality, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

To qualify for the funding, the location had to be located on an approved highway route, such as Highway 95. Additionally, the location was required to have 24-hour access, ADA accessibility, cell phone coverage, proximity to shopping and dining, and the potential for future expansion. The Visitor Center location, along with the city having its own electric utility, made for a very strong application. The charging station will give travelers a great reason to visit our downtown area.

DC fast chargers charge a vehicle in 30-40 minutes. There will be a charge to use the charging station, and the rate will be set to offset the operation and maintenance costs of the system.

It’s great to see Bonners Ferry joining the growing number of cities with EV charging stations.

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David Sims is the mayor of Bonners Ferry.