WB board expects to OK charger for electric vehicles

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at its Monday, Oct. 15 meeting discussed the potential installation of an electric vehicle charging station at the Civic Center campus.

The board also discussed an associated service contract with the station’s potential provider, Chargepoint.

Through an offer from the company, the township would be provided one charging station that could simultaneously charge two vehicles.

The station would have two different levels of chargers to accommodate different types of electric vehicles.

“All of us spoke in favor, and I believe the program will be implemented,” township Trustee Steve Kaplan said.

Trustee Gene Farber concurred, saying he expects a unanimous vote when a contract comes up for consideration.

The charging station would be provided free of charge, but the township would then have to sign an annual contract for the service plan software.

The contract would be free for the first year, but would then cost the township $200 annually. The estimated cost for the installation of the station is $5,600.

The board is expected to revisit this proposal at its next meeting on Nov. 19.

The original proposed location for the charging station was at the rear of West Bloomfield Town Hall and west of a dumpster enclosure because electric service would need to be provided out of Township Hall’s basement.

However, Kaplan said that after consideration, the location of the charger would probably be moved to somewhere in between Town Hall and the township library so that it can be safely in plain view.

Kaplan added that those who use the charger would have to pay a nominal fee that could range between $1 or $4, but that credit cards would be accepted.

He also said that the issue was raised about reservations to use the charger, which should be one of several issues discussed at the next board meeting.