Minnesota Power to install four electric car charging stations in state

Minnesota Power will install four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the northern Minnesota region where the utility provides electricity.

A 5-kilowatt solar installation will support each of the charging stations. The charging stations will be located in the towns of Ely, Virginia, Two Harbors, and Motley. Construction will begin this month, starting in Ely, with all expected to be completed by the end of the year. All of the stations will be free for public use.

“Investing in electric vehicle charging stations across our service territory is a way to help foster and grow this new technology and build the infrastructure to meet the changing energy needs of our customers,” Frank Frederickson, vice president of marketing at Minnesota Power, said. “Driving an EV is a fun and increasingly practical way we can lower society’s carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.”

Hunt Electric has been tapped to construct the charging stations. While electric vehicle use in northern Minnesota is currently low, more consumers are expected to invest in them as charging station availability increases. According to estimates, the charging stations would help keep about 288,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere every year.

Last year, Minnesota Power hired Hunt Electric to install a charging station in Duluth’s Canal Park with nine chargers. Minnesota Power serves 144,000 customers and 16 municipalities in Northern Minnesota.