Choate Installs Electric Vehicle Chargers

Over the summer, Choate installed two electric vehicle chargers, each capable of charging two cars at once. One is located in the parking lot behind Memorial House and the other by the Larry Hart Pool.

 

The chargers, which are ChargePoint’s CT4000 Family model, can power any type of vehicle that requires electric charging. They are simple to operate; users can download the ChargePoint app on their phones to receive notifications when their vehicles have finished charging and to pay the small fee for charging.

 

The School has been considering adding the chargers for the past few years. More recently, Choate faculty, board members, and parents who drive electric vehicles have inquired about the possibility of installing the chargers. Project manager Mr. Tom Hinde said, “With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, I believe it was time to do it.”

The chargers provide power to cars at a rate of about 25 miles of range per hour, much faster than a regular outlet. Also, Choate residents with electric vehicles no longer have to leave campus to power their cars efficiently. While the chargers are mainly intended to be used by members of the Choate community, anyone who visits the campus can set up an account though ChargePoint and charge a car.

 

According to Mr. Hinde, many people are already taking advantage of the chargers. In response to what his hopes for the project were, he said, “I think some of our hopes have already been fulfilled by the knowledge that they’re being used on a daily basis. They are both used regularly.”

The School plans to install more chargers in a new parking lot that will be behind Colony Hall, the addition to the arts center set to open next fall. Ms. Alison Cady, the Director of Strategic Planning and Communications, said, “It moves the sustainability goals for the school one step further. Obviously, we are providing a convenience for people who have made personal decisions about driving electric vehicles, but also it helps move our sustainability goals forward.”

 

Ms. Mary Liz Williamson, the Director of Day Students, agreed that this was one of the main reasons for the installation: “My understanding is that our efforts as a community [are] to promote sustainability and sustainable habits.”