Charging stations for electric vehicles continue to pop up across Mississippi, with the latest being unveiled in downtown Brandon.
Funded through Entergy Mississippi, the $350,000 fast charging station was strategically placed near Interstate 20 and Interstate 55 to not only serve as an option to local EV drivers but those passing through the state. The new location, along with one unveiled at the Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland last year, will be used by Entergy Mississippi to expand research on the impact of EVs to the local power grid.
According to the U.S. Department of Entergy, there are currently close to 3,300 EVs registered in Mississippi with that number growing by the week. Entergy Mississippi will be using insights on frequency along with time of day and location statistics to prepare for future power use as EV drivers are bound to continue increasing with an estimated 26 million on American roadways by 2030, according to the electric company.
“We have to be prepared with the right infrastructure to serve our customers when the time comes,” Entergy Mississippi CEO and President Haley Fisackerly said. “Electric vehicle usage in Mississippi is at a stage right now that allows us to collect data and begin developing a plan for the future.
“The lessons we learn through this pilot will help us better advise municipalities and developers throughout our service area as they plan for future electric vehicle charging stations in their area.”
The new charging station in Brandon is equipped with two direct current fast chargers that provide up to 180 kilowatts of power and are compatible with most EV models. The price is $.30/kWh, and on average, an EV can be fully charged for $20-$30 within 30-45 minutes.
There are now EV charging stations available in Biloxi, Brandon, Brookhaven, Columbus, Greenville, Greenwood, Grenada, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Kiln, Madison, Meridian, Natchez, Oxford, Pascagoula, Pearl, Picayune, Ridgeland, Southaven, Starkville, Tupelo, and Vicksburg.
