Aspinwall launches EV charging stations in borough lot

Charging stations for electric vehicles in Aspinwall are up and running.

The literal and figurative switch was flipped on Sept. 4 after several delays.

Three charging stations, each capable of accommodating two vehicles at a time, were installed in the borough parking lot along Commercial Avenue. They are located on the side closest to Jiffy Lube.

Charging rates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. are $2 per hour for the first two hours and $5 each additional hour.

Charging rates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. is a flat $2 per hour.

People can pay via credit card at the machines.

The charging spaces still are treated as regular parking spots.

That means motorists still will have to put money in the borough parking meters, and gas-powered vehicles can continue to park there.

The EV stations are part of a project in partnership with Duquesne Light.

The utility company would provide the infrastructure needed to run the machines, which the borough would purchase and monitor.

The stations originally were expected to be energized by the end of June.

However, storms and limited transformer power have forced several delays as did the incorporation of the Flo software used by the devices to help provide and track charging.

Council President Jeff Harris said he is excited the borough is able to provide another service for residents and visitors.

”I know that residents with EVs had expressed interest in having some type of charging options within the borough,” Harris said. “Having these EV stations located in the borough lot provides an amenity to our residents that they have been asking for as well as an incentive for visitors with EVs to charge their vehicles when they patronize our local business district.”

Borough officials announced the EV machines were live via Facebook.

Debbie McManus of Harmar owns and operates Lynlott Miniatures Dollhouse Junction along Commercial Avenue.

It has been in business for 46 years, including the past 35 in Aspinwall.

McManus said people come in from across the country, and even Australia, to check out the store that specializes in little things.

“Anything in real life we have in 1/12 miniature scale,” McManus said.

“I happen to be one of the unofficial waiting rooms while (people are) waiting for their pizza or Jiffy Lube or their dermatology appointment. They all come in here and browse, which is nice because sometimes that turns them into a customer. People come in to shop at my store and then they go to the meat store and then they go to the restaurant.”

McManus said she expects business to get bigger as patrons have asked about EV stations.

“There’s never really been a shortage of parking over here for Aspinwall businesses,” McManus said. “We have enough parking over here to accommodate that.”

More information about the devices is available at flo.com or by calling 855-543-8356.