Winona State University installs EV chargers for campus and community

Though the ambitious goal of the Winona CAN - Climate Action Network was to install a DC Fast Charger, it wasn’t possible to find equipment that fit into the project budget, said Nathan Engstrom, Sustainability Director at Winona State University. Engstrom shared that “going with high-capacity level 2 chargers was the best and most workable compromise.”

Tom Ezdon, primary CERTs Seed Grant applicant and member of Winona CAN, shared "Our grassroots organization’s primary goal was to remind residents that electric vehicles are a viable alternative in an area that is still an electric vehicle charging desert." The group is "dedicated to building a sustainable future" and had gathered a petition of support for the project in just one day with over 200 signatures. They ultimately partnered with WSU, who paid for the remainder of the project costs and owns the chargers.

Engstrom shared, "Like most things with large state institutions, it was a bit of a long and roundabout process stretching back almost 3 years" to install EV chargers on campus. "Ultimately WSU’s Sustainability Committee, the Student Green Fee Grant Program, the WSU Sustainability Office, and the WSU Facilities departments were able to work together to persuasively develop a project proposal that the University could support," said Engstrom. "The CERTs Seed Grant and the partnership with Winona CAN put the project over the edge in terms of building support and demonstrating community good will" he continued.

WSU has a goal of carbon neutrality and vehicle electrification is part of their plan. They are awaiting delivery on their first to EVs, which will be Chevy Bolts, to be added to their rental motor pool fleet. They have also recently added two electric utility carts to ground maintenance fleet. The current pandemic restrictions on gatherings, and Minnesota State insurance restrictions may put a crimp in Winona CAN’s hopes for a ride and drive, but the two groups will be looking for ways to partner on opportunities to widely promote both the chargers and new fleet vehicles to campus and the wider community.