In a significant push for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the Philadelphia region is set to open new federally funded EV charging stations, the city of Milton implements fire safety measures for EV charging, and innovative companies Stepwise and Savant address the challenges of home EV charging in older homes. These developments mark crucial steps toward a more sustainable and efficient EV ecosystem.
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Federally Funded EV Charging Stations in Pennsylvania
Drivers in Southeastern Pennsylvania will soon benefit from the federal government’s investment in electric vehicle charging. The first EV charging hub in the region, funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, is expected to open this summer in Aston, Delaware County. Pennsylvania, a leader in building EV charging stations, has two operational NEVI sites and plans for over 80 more by the end of 2025. The NEVI program, supported by $171.5 million from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, aims to provide charging stations every 50 miles along major highways, significantly reducing range anxiety for EV drivers.
The NEVI project has faced scrutiny for the time it takes to get stations online, but the program’s design and planning focus on standardized payment systems, power access, and maintenance. The initiative also seeks to pave the way for private investment in EV charging, with convenience stores like Wawa leading the charge in Southeastern Pennsylvania by offering numerous charging locations.
Milton Requires Fire Blankets at EV Charging Stations
The city of Milton, Georgia, has taken proactive steps to enhance safety at its EV charging stations. The Milton City Council approved a measure requiring fire blankets at non-residential charging stations to quickly extinguish potential fires in EVs with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can require up to 30,000 gallons of water to extinguish, making fire blankets a more practical solution. The ordinance, proposed by Milton Fire Rescue, does not apply to single-family homes but covers public charging stations near locations like Publix and Kohls.
Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Alex Fortner emphasized that the measure aims to limit damage if an electric vehicle catches fire, demonstrating the city’s commitment to public safety. This initiative represents a growing trend among municipalities to address the unique challenges posed by EVs and their associated infrastructure.
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Stepwise and Savant Innovate Home EV Charging Solutions
As more consumers adopt electric vehicles, the demand for efficient home charging solutions has increased. Many older homes lack the electrical capacity to support EV chargers without expensive upgrades. Stepwise and Savant, two companies with local roots, have developed devices to address this issue. Stepwise’s smart power monitor adjusts the amount of electricity sent to EV chargers and other household appliances, ensuring safe and efficient power distribution. This system, which can prevent overloading older electrical panels, is more affordable than traditional upgrades.
Savant, known for its smart home systems, will soon offer Savant Smart Budget, a system that manages the power consumption of multiple household devices, including EV chargers. This product allows homeowners to control power usage dynamically, prioritizing critical devices as needed. Both Stepwise and Savant’s innovations provide cost-effective solutions for integrating EV charging into older homes, supporting the broader push for electric vehicles.
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Sources
- Federally Funded EV Charging Stations in Pennsylvania: Inquirer Business Article
- Milton Requires Fire Blankets at EV Charging Stations: Milton Local News
- Stepwise and Savant Innovate Home EV Charging Solutions: Boston Globe Article
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