Rebate Program and Volunteer Efforts Help Myerstown Install Borough's First Public Electric Vehicle Charger

Myerstown, PA – Myerstown Borough’s first electric vehicle charging station opened to the public this summer in the public parking lot at 6 East Main Avenue in the heart of Myerstown’s Town Center District.  The Chargepoint CT4000 All-Purpose Level 2 Charging Station features two ports and a connection to the ChargePoint network, the world’s largest community of EV drivers.  Electric vehicle drivers using the ChargePoint app who are looking for a place to charge their vehicle will now see Myerstown’s station as an option.  

“This charging station puts us on the map,” said Council President Bryan L. Rittle.  He continued, “when EV drivers are checking their smartphone apps for a place to charge, they will know to come to Myerstown.  While their car is charging, they can wander the shops and restaurants on Main Avenue, or take a short walk to one of our great recreation areas.”  EV drivers can charge at the station for a fee of $1.00 per hour.  The station charges at a maximum rate of 25 RPH (miles of Range Per Hour) and can fully charge some vehicles in less than four hours.

The Borough was able to complete the project with minimal cost to the taxpayers, as it took advantage of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program” through Governor Tom Wolf’s “Driving PA Forward” initiative.   The program is funded by a $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests.  “This program allowed us to install a station that we otherwise would not be able to afford,” said Borough Manager Michael R. McKenna.  Council President Rittle, an electrician by trade, and Council Member Ronald L. Ream, a contractor by trade (both pictured with the station), volunteered their time and skills to help install the station.  Their efforts, in conjunction with the efforts of the Borough’s Public Works Department, allowed for the installation of the station with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Rittle Ream EV Charger
Council President Bryan L. Rittle (left) and Ronald L. Ream (right) volunteered to help install Myerstown's first EV Charger.

According to Goldman Sachs, by 2025, 25% of cars sold will have electric engines either as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric vehicle, up from 5% today.   “The Borough is always looking for affordable projects that encourage economic growth and promote sustainability,” said McKenna.  “We hope this charging station will be a valuable asset to the Borough for years to come.”