Two Blink IQ Level II charging stations have been installed at Cedar and Main streets in downtown Rockford near the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel and Conference Center. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
    By Kevin Haas
    Rock River Current
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    ROCKFORD — Two electric vehicle charging stations have been installed near the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel as the city looks to deploy new EV infrastructure.

    The city worked with the Region 1 Planning Council to secure the Blink IQ Level II charging stations at a discounted price. It also secured grant money to help offset the cost.

    “We understand that people are going EV,” said Kyle Saunders, the city’s director of public works. “We want to support advances in alternative transportation.”

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    The charging stations cost the city roughly $12,300. It saved approximately $5,000 by working with Region 1 for procurement, according to Region 1. The city now owns the stations and will net any revenue from motorists paying to charge their vehicles. It’s unclear how much revenue that may bring in.

    The city of Rockford is the first local government to take advantage of the new program R1 established with Blink Charging Co.

    Two stations have been installed at a municipal parking lot at South Main and Cedar streets, southwest of the hotel. Each charging station allows two electric vehicles to charge simultaneously.

    “In Rockford, we are focused on sustainability and stand in support of advancing needed transportation alternatives for our region,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a news release. “We were excited to take advantage of the procurement program developed by our partners at R1, and to be one of the first municipalities in our region to deploy EV charging infrastructure. We hope that investments like this will continue to help strengthen our community’s future EV readiness.”

    Blink charging stations at Cedar and Main streets in downtown Rockford have two charges each, allowing for four vehicles to be charged at the site. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

    R1 is encouraging other cities, schools and local governments in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and McHenry counties to contact them to participate in the EV program.

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    Participation in the program is open to members of Northern Illinois Council of Governments, a nonprofit organization comprised of  governments in northern Illinois that is staffed by R1.

    R1 says it will help local governments pursue state and federal grants to further reduce the cost of purchasing and installing charging stations.


    This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.

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