Mesquite introduces free EV charging stations until next August

Mesquite - In a significant step to promote eco-friendly transportation, the City of Mesquite has launched free electric vehicle charging stations at two sites, a service that will be available for at least the next year, Dallas Metro News reported.

The initiative was made possible through funding from the Texas Department of Transportation's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program. This key program aims to alleviate traffic congestion while improving air quality.

The funding enabled not only the purchase but also the setup of three advanced dual-port Level II Electric Vehicle chargers. These state-of-the-art stations can charge multiple vehicles at the same time, making it easier for residents to switch to greener transport options.

In an effort to encourage community involvement in the shift toward sustainable transportation, the grant ensures that the charging stations will be free to the public through August 2024. After that period, the city plans to introduce a modest fee structure for those who wish to use the EV charging services. The aim is to maintain the functionality of these stations while promoting responsible energy use.

“EV ownership is on the rise, but there is a need for more public charging stations,” said City Manager Cliff Keheley, according to a City of Mesquite press release. “We are excited to offer this technology to our residents and provide services to a growing community of EV drivers.”

Locations for the new charging stations include:

• Mesquite Municipal Center, 1515 N. Galloway Ave.: Two chargers capable of charging four vehicles.
• Mesquite City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave.: One charger capable of charging two vehicles.

In a related development, DART has also introduced two EV charging stations in Dallas using the same grant program, targeting areas that previously lacked such facilities.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, City of Mesquite