AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced the city is taking charge of a new project that will bring more electric vehicle charging stations across the city.
After learning of affordability projects indicating 150-mile range electric vehicles will be cheaper than regular vehicles by 2025, Akron decided to prepare for the future by creating a task force to look for spaces to create more charging stations in Akron.
The task force will be made up of individuals from Akron, Summit County, University of Akron, AMATS, Gateway Group, Welty, First Akron Energy, Akron METRO and several local electric vehicle owners/residents.
"From tires, to blimps, to airships, and now electric vehicles, Akron has a history of looking towards the future of transportation," said Mayor Horrigan. "Preparing for a rise in EVs is the next logical step for our city. Our investments and planning today will help reduce emissions from transportation which will in turn help create a healthier and more just city in the future. Working with key partners, we hope to create a network of EV charging stations that will be equitably placed and well-utilized throughout Akron.
Currently, the city has 22 electric vehicle charging stations, equipped with 29 ports.
The task force has already developed goals for what they hope to achieve and accomplish:
Prioritize buildout targets by leveraging City property and available funding
Ensure that public EV charging and EV car sharing is available, accessible and equitable
Identify and eliminate public charging siting barriers
Develop Citywide planning benchmarks
Trigger a market for private investment in high-demand area
The city is looking to include more people in the task force. They are searching for Akron residents who meet the following criteria:
Equitable access to transportation options
Housing security
Reduction of particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions
Current EV owners
Anybody who meets the criteria above and is looking to get involved with the task force can contact Emily Collins, the strategic advisor to the mayor, at ecollins@akronohio.gov.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on June 2, 2022, when Ford announced a $1.5 billion investment in Northeast Ohio.