Rocky Mountain Power approved to more than double ultra-fast electric vehicle charging stations in Utah

Published on January 14, 2022 by Chris Galford

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Regulators with the Utah Public Service Commission recently approved a Rocky Mountain Power plan to more than double the number of ultra-fast charging stations set up in Utah to support efforts to cut vehicle emissions.

“Our goal is to increase adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles by adding more charging stations to the statewide network,” James Campbell, director of Innovation and Sustainability for Rocky Mountain Power, said. “We’re incorporating new innovative technologies to make it more efficient and cost-effective for everybody.”

According to Miller, Rocky Mountain Power’s latest efforts reflect the crumbling barriers that have traditionally hindered EV adoption at large: primarily, cost and availability. As the makes and models of electric vehicles expand, prices and options decrease alongside them, making it all a bit more mainstream. Yet a major determining factor in the success of EVs now and in the future could well be the state of its supportive infrastructure – and Miller noted that its expansion is therefore imperative.

As a result, Rocky Mountain Power will seek strategic expansion of the state’s charging network. For others, this could also benefit the state’s health at large.

“Emissions coming from tailpipes of cars and trucks is still the number one source of air pollution along the Wasatch Front,” Ashley Miller, Breathe Utah executive director, said. “Zero emissions electric vehicles play a crucial role in the state’s ongoing effort to improve air quality.”