On June 27th, 2024, Rocky Mountain Power inaugurated one of the first U.S. electric vehicle charging stations near a national park, a groundbreaking initiative blending sustainability with cutting-edge technology. Nestled beside the Colorado River and neighboring Arches National Park, this station features eight state-of-the-art hyper-fast chargers, including a convenient pull-through stall designed to accommodate trucks and trailers.
Partially funded through the federal NEVI Formula Program, which earmarked $5 billion for creating a comprehensive network of DC fast chargers along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, this project marks a pivotal moment in sustainable infrastructure development. This is the first charging site to open as part of Utah's NEVI implementation program, and Utah is just the seventh state in the nation to open a NEVI charging site.
"By expanding the network of fast chargers, we are helping boost the adoption of zero-emissions electric vehicles for improved air quality in Utah. Our statewide network will make fast charging accessible to all vehicles while increasing EV adoption across the state," said James Campbell, sustainability and innovation policy director at Rocky Mountain Power. "This effort not only enhances EV accessibility for the local community but also for the approximately 2 million annual visitors to Arches National Park. We aim to expand the accessibility and viability of electric vehicles across Utah and beyond. Integrating EV charging stations into national parks signifies a dedicated effort to preserve natural wonders while paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future."
"Today's announcement is a testament to the progress of the NEVI program. With the opening of the first-ever federally funded EV charging station near a national park, we are filling gaps in our network, ensuring people can reliably charge where they live, work and play," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, local residents and the millions of annual visitors to Arches National Park can now conveniently access EV charging."
"With the opening of the first federally funded EV charging station near a national park, Utah is ensuring families have access to charging infrastructure in one of the most amazing places in our country," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk. "Thanks to funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Utah is expanding our national charging network to deliver reliable, equitable zero-emission transportation showing there are no limits to where you can go in an EV."
"This milestone marks years of collaboration between the public and private sectors and serves as a shining example of all we can accomplish working together with outstanding partners like Rocky Mountain Power," said Lyle McMillan, director of strategic technologies at the Utah Department of Transportation. "Utah is among the first states to open a NEVI EV charging site, giving drivers the freedom to travel anywhere - in any vehicle - they choose."
The station is one of the first of 20 fast charging stations, including those installed in Vernal, Millcreek and Kimball Junction in collaboration with Electrify America. It is an effort to expand upon the existing network and substantially augment the number of fast chargers along the Wasatch Front and in various regions across the state.
"Electrify America is proud to support Rocky Mountain Power's leadership in expanding EV charging infrastructure to meet the needs of EV drivers in the state of Utah," said Aaron Young, senior manager, commercial networks & fleets, at Electrify America. "We are committed to leveraging our expertise to assist Rocky Mountain Power in their electrification goals."
Rocky Mountain Power customers are eligible for a discounted rate to use the company's EV chargers. Learn more at RockyMountainPower.net/Stations.
