(Versailles, IN) – An EV Showcase and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the Ripley County Welcome Center and charging station at 220 W U.S. 50.
Several electric vehicles provided by Honda and Southeastern Indiana REMC will be onsite for you to check out, including a Honda Prologue, Tesla, and a Ford Lightning.
“We’re so grateful to GOEVIN and Duke Energy for this opportunity to put our town on another map and encourage travelers to stop in Versailles. The charging station is another great addition to our community as we work to bring more business to Versailles and stimulate the local economy,” said Ripley County Economic Development Board member and Versailles’ Director of Community Development, Holly Wehr.
Officials say in a time of rapid technological progress, the Town of Versailles is forging ahead with style. The next significant step in Versailles’ dedication to viability and innovation is the introduction of a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging station, made possible through a strategic partnership with GO Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN).
Duke Energy is part of GOEVIN’s efforts to enhance Indiana’s statewide EV charging network. Duke Energy will install, own, and operate 34 fast chargers across 17 locations along Indiana’s major highways, and Versailles is one of these select locations. This program aspires to establish a strong infrastructure for electric vehicles, laying the groundwork for a tomorrow that is greener, cleaner, and more sustainable.
The project is partially funded by the Indiana Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Trust. GOEVIN includes the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Drive Clean Indiana, and other major electric utilities such as AES Indiana, Indiana Michigan Power (AEP), CenterPoint Energy, NIPSCO, WVPA, Hoosier Energy, and Crawfordsville Power & Light. This collaborative effort will install 61 new EV charging locations.
With the deployment of these EV fast charging stations spaced every 30 to 50 miles, both residents and travelers will find themselves close to a charging point whenever needed.
Town official say the implementation of the EV charging station goes beyond merely acknowledging technological progress, and signifies Versailles’ readiness and enthusiasm to embark on a path toward a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.
Gratitude and regard is extended to Duke Energy, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and all collaborating utilities for their forward-thinking efforts. This significant advancement towards a more interconnected and sustainable Indiana is welcomed.
