Library plans EV charging stations

At the board meeting on Monday, October 18, Vernon Area Public Library trustees voiced support for a plan to make two electric vehicle charging stations available to the public in the library parking lot.

The library plans to purchase two Enel X “JuiceBox 32” Level 2 charging stations to be installed by Chicago-based Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, L3C. The stations are compatible with all electric vehicles (EVs) currently on the market, including Teslas. Each EV station provides up to 7.7 kilowatts of charge per hour, powering approximately 25 miles of driving range depending on the vehicle.

The library plans to assess a per-hour user fee to those using the EV charging stations. The stations are expected to pay for themselves within five years.

Library trustees reacted enthusiastically to the proposal.

“Any small step I can be a part of that helps to systematically fight climate change and have a better world for the future of our children, I say let's go,” said Library Trustee Max Boton.

Library officials will submit the plans this month to the Village of Lincolnshire for review and approval. Officials hope to have the EV stations installed sometime this winter.