Delaware is encouraging businesses in the state to install electric car charging stations.
The state launched a rebate program late last year that takes care of most of the cost. But many businesses are not yet taking advantage of the program. The state is offering rebates to help companies cover the price of the equipment through June 2018.
Kathy Harris, DNREC Clean Transportation Planner, said one benefit of workplace charging stations is it influences employees make more sustainable vehicle choices.
“So by having workplace charging stations at the workplaces, we hope to encourage the employees themselves to also switch to a cleaner fuel," she said.
The rebate program's goal is to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.Harris said to make that goal more businesses need to install charging stations. She said businesses who do help their employees and show they care about the environment.
“We’ve given out a few of the rebates so far to workplaces in Delaware, but we’re really hoping that number’s going to increase because -as I mentioned- we think it is a very big gap and a great opportunity,” she said.
The state pays for 75 percent of the cost of the equipment - which can vary from 500 dollars to 5-thousand dollars. But, she says businesses must cover the installation costs.
