City Installs Electric Car Charging Station in Downtown Naperville

Electric car owners now have a prime parking space in the heart of downtown thanks a new electric charging station.

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The city of Naperville has installed its first public electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in the Van Buren parking lot, located at Van Buren Avenue and Main Street. The parking space is only permitted for electric vehicles, which also must be charging to use the parking space.

Cars can charge up to three hours per city ordinance. Depending on the popularity of the station, city officials said they may add more charging stations within the city. 

“This electric vehicle charging station is a unique addition to our downtown area that will provide a convenient service for those who currently own electric vehicles or those who plan to own them in the near future,” said City Manager Doug Krieger in a press release. “The city is using the installation of this public charging station as a pilot project to monitor the unit’s popularity and usage – information that will help us further develop policies and long-term plans for future electric vehicle charging in Naperville.” 

According to a city press release, the Van Buren electric vehicle charging station is a Level 2 charger that will allow users to partially recharge their vehicles up to three hours while shopping or dining in the downtown area.

The downtown charging station could also benefit local businesses by serving as an extra amenity for shoppers.

“We’re pleased the city is using the downtown to promote and evaluate the city’s response to public electric vehicle charging stations,” said Downtown Naperville Alliance Representative Steve Rubin in a press release. “We look at this as another amenity that can benefit patrons who frequent our downtown businesses.”