(TALLAHASSEE, FL.) -- Tallahassee has officially opened PowerTLH, the city’s first Level 3 fast charging station.
Tallahassee has been committed to utilizing clean energy, with several Level Two charging stations already available.
Unlike Level 2 stations, the new Level 3 station on West Van Buren Street will be able to fully charge an electric vehicle in 20 minutes, which is the most efficient charging available right now.
The station can charge four cars at a time and has a futuristic gas station appearance.
Photo Credit: Talgov.com
The new charging station will be downtown and within walking distance of Cascades Park. The proximity to Cascades Park may be useful, as it is common for owners to roam away from their cars as they charge. In fact, there are apps to alert you when your car is done charging, as well as fines for anyone who overcharges.
Tallahassee has a goal to be 100% net renewable energy by 2050.
The goal is not to get rid of non-renewable energy completely. 100% net renewable energy refers to how much renewable energy the city produces, with the goal to produce as much, or more than, what the city uses.
The 2050 goal is mandated by the Clean Energy Resolution (19-R-04) set in 2019, and has an action plan to initiate it.
As it stands today, Tallahassee’s community is 95% reliant on natural gas, making its eco-friendly goals appear lofty. Tallahassee has plans to switch from natural gas to solar farms, a project the city has already started.
Since 2020, Tallahassee has been home to the largest airport solar farm in the world, with a capacity of 62 megawatts. The next step is making electric vehicles as convenient as possible. Currently, 61% of the city’s public buses have electric capabilities.
The city is also planning to make another Level 3 charging station on Orange Avenue.
The next step is making electric cars more accessible to the public. There is currently a federal tax credit of $7,500 for a new electric vehicle and $4,000 for used vehicles. In addition to the federal credit, the city also offers low-interest loans for residents who make energy-related home improvements.
The loans are particularly advertised to people who want a personal charging station.
Tallahassee is progressing fast compared to the rest of Florida, as one of only ten cities to commit to becoming 100% net renewable by 2050. Even nationally, only around 200 cities have similar legislation.
Out of all the cities in America, only six have reached the goal so far.
Tallahassee has gathered attention in the form of several rankings and recognitions. Most notable may be the ‘Solar Star’ standing, which comes from efforts to grow renewable energy.
Despite the positive efforts, ReThink Energy Florida is a local group that gave Tallahassee a C+ grade for its progress.
ReThink Energy believes Tallahassee needs to move faster and cites the financial barrier as to why the city received such a low score.
If you have any questions or concerns, please comment, and email me at jason.f@lead4earth.org.
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