The RM of Hanover has installed a pair of electric vehicle charging stations in the municipality.

Councillor Brian Esau says an opportunity presented itself to apply for a grant. Hanover decided to take the plunge and apply for enough money to install two stations. Esau says they were awarded the money to make this happen.

One of the chargers is located at the Mitchell Community Centre, while the other is at the Blumenort Soccer Park. 

"They are designed to top-up your charge on your (electric vehicle) if you are on the road and you just need a top-up to make it to your final destination," explains Esau.

Esau says the municipality was very intentional when deciding where to place the two chargers. He notes they wanted to install these at locations where people could enjoy other activities while charging their vehicles. Esau says in Mitchell, the electric vehicle charging station is located near the skate park, tennis courts, outdoor rink, toboggan slide and skating trail. In Blumenort, the station is near the splash pad, Frisbee golf course and park.

According to Esau the entire project cost $35,000, with grant money covering 50 per cent of the cost. The municipality has paid the remaining 50 per cent.

He notes the two charging stations were installed in the summer and fall of 2023 and then went into service shortly before Christmas. Esau says the two have so far received very little use, but he guesses that not very many people realize they are up and running. 

Esau says the cost to use the charging station is $5 per hour. He notes that price is very comparable to other electric vehicle charging stations in the area. He says it is a level two charger and the money they take in will cover the cost of hydro and will also go towards installation fees. 

Meanwhile, Esau says though they had not been receiving very many requests for the charging stations, Hanover wanted to stay ahead of the game, realizing the growing interest in electric vehicles. 

He says as of right now they have no intentions of adding any more in other communities in Hanover.