VW Trust-funded electric vehicle charging hub opens at the Monadnock Food Co-Op in Keene
The first NH Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (NH VW Trust) funded electric vehicle (EV) charging hub opened at the Monadnock Food Co-op (Co-op) in Keene, N.H.. on March 15.
“The NH VW Trust funds programs and projects that advance clean transportation options that will reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality. NHDES is pleased to steward NH’s VW Trust funding to expand access to EV charging infrastructure for those who live, work, and recreate in our great state,” said Adam Crepeau, NHDES Assistant Commissioner.
In New Hampshire, transportation is the largest source of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. EV’s are a solution as they result in far fewer emissions than their gas and diesel counterparts. The buildout of EV charging infrastructure will enable EV adoption by New Hampshire residents and also support travel and tourism in the state and region.
Now EV drivers can conveniently travel into the Monadnock region and access charging. The site hosts two (2) Direct Current Fast Charging stations and one (1) dual-port Level 2 charging station, altogether capable of charging multiple EVs at once while drivers take advantage of shopping and dining in the area.
"We are thrilled to bring electric vehicle charging stations to the Monadnock Food Co-op. We believe our new fast charging stations will be a great convenience for those doing some shopping or picking up lunch or dinner. We are excited to support the transition to cleaner vehicles," said Michael Faber, General Manager, Monadnock Food Co-op.
In January 2023, the NH Governor and Executive Council (G&C) approved a grant agreement between NHDES and the Monadnock Community Market Cooperative for up to $308,710 in funding towards eligible project costs. ReVision Energy, a New England based clean energy contracting company, was contracted by the Co-op to handle engineering and construction services for these public EV charging stations.
"At ReVision Energy, we take pride in our commitment to expand access and open the doors for everyone to participate in the transition to electrified transportation -- as well as being fun to drive, EVs cost significantly less to operate. The Monadnock Food Co-op is the perfect location for this charging station given that it’s a beloved destination in the region and for our aligned missions of creating a more sustainable future,” said James Penfold, Director of eMobility of ReVision Energy.
The project benefited from community support and other contributions. The Monadnock Sustainability Hub (MSH) provided significant technical support during the application process and additional funding through community crowdsourcing to help make the project possible. Additionally, Eversource, the Co-Op’s electric utility, installed the high-voltage electrical infrastructure through their $2.1 million NH Make Ready program.
“The Monadnock Sustainability Hub pitched this project to the Co-op back in 2019 and we’re excited to see the first fast chargers in the region go online. They represent a true collaborative effort by many stakeholders, including local donors who contributed critical matching funds. As we make charging readily available, more Monadnock drivers will be able to switch to clean, electric vehicles,” said Dori Drachman, Chair, MSH Board.
“This project at Monadnock Food Co-op is a crucial step forward in encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles, supporting New Hampshire’s travel and tourism industry, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, Eversource Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility. “I am extremely pleased that Eversource was able to support this effort in partnership with NHDES through the NH VW Trust. We look to continue this partnership and enable more EV fast-charging stations at public sites across New Hampshire.”
Visit the NHDES Volkswagen Mitigation Trust webpage for more information about the trust fund and projects.