Electric Car Charging Stations Becoming More Readily Available In NH

GLEN, N.H. (AP) — Charging stations in New Hampshire for electric cars are becoming more available.

This year, the New Hampshire Electric Co-op has partnered with a group of its commercial business members in a pilot program that added seven publicly available Electric Vehicle charging stations to the state's network.

Gary Lemay, NHEC renewable energy engineer and manager of the pilot program, says "range anxiety" caused by a lack of available charging stations is one of the barriers to the rapid adoption of EV or Plug-in Hybrid technology.

Lemay estimates there are currently 13 Type II EV charging stations that are available for use by the public in the state, but less than a handful of them are north of Concord.

The charging stations installed as part of the NHEC pilot will put some of New Hampshire's most scenic terrain, including the White Mountains and Mount Washington Valley, within range for most EV drivers. One of those attractions is the Bernerhof Inn in Glen, which has the only dual charging station.

"People with electric vehicles charge first at home, second at work and third at a destination type of location where they will be staying for one to three hours or longer," Lemay said. "That makes these hotels and resorts ideal locations for EV charging stations."

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