Public electric vehicle charging station may come to Washington

Washington Town Council is exploring the possibility of installing an electric vehicle charger near the post office located on Warren Avenue, which could promote a reduction of carbon emissions in Rappahannock County while also netting the town additional tax revenue.

Member Brad Schneider has been in communication with California-based charging station provider ChargePoint for the town to potentially purchase and install a unit. Under a ChargePoint plan, the town would receive 90% of revenue generated from drivers recharging their vehicles, which is often significantly cheaper than fuel.

Schneider is also trying to make contact with other charging station providers to explore other options.

“I’m thinking that there are a lot of people who are going up to [Shenandoah National Park] who may start running out of juice on their way back down,” Catlin said of the prospect of installing a station.

If a station is installed, it will be added to the U.S. Department of Energy’s map of all charging stations across the nation. While it would not be the first station installed in the town, it would be the only one intended for public use.

Both The Inn at Little Washington and the Foster Harris House bed and breakfast both have private Tesla charging stations for guests, according to the federal government’s database. Out in the county closer to the park, Off the Grid has a Tesla charging station outside the restaurant. Despite the branding, Tesla stations are often compatible with other electric car makes and models from other manufacturers.