USC students and employees with electric vehicles will soon have more spaces to plug in on campus after a new installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the Downey Parking Structure, which previously had just two chargers.
Associate Director of USC Transportation David Donovan said the project is not yet completed.
“Over the summer, USC Transportation has added nine charging ports in the Downey structure,” said Donovan, “For the first time ever, there are dedicated EV parking spaces [there].”
Previously, Downey had minimal electrical capabilities and only had two ports, he said.
According to Donovan, two projects are ongoing this summer, Ginsburg Hall adjacent to Downey Parking Structure and the United University Church building next to the JEP House. The building was purchased and will be converted into a new facility with electric vehicle chargers.
According to USC Transportation, the school has partnered with ChargePoint to provide charging stations at both campuses and in the USC Village. ChargePoint is 25 cents per kilowatt hour while charging, followed by a 90-minute window before relocation is required. If vehicles aren’t moved after that time, there will be a $3 per hour flat rate after that.
The on campus parking permit fee for students for both campuses for electric vehicles is $396 per semester, less than a non-electric car.
According to Donovan, there are 237 ports across both campuses. When these new chargers come online in September, there will be just under 250.