By Travis Barton | [email protected]

If you’re looking to charge that Tesla or Nissan LEAF in West Valley City, drivers will now have four more options to choose from. 

City officials applied for and were granted up to $140,564 for the installation of four level two electric vehicle charging stations—two located at City Hall and two at the Family Fitness Center. The money allows flexibility due to changing regulations regarding charging stations, the installation bid is not expected to exceed just over $83,000. 

Stations will be free to the public. 

The West Valley City Council unanimously approved the purchases on June 25. 

Prior to the vote, David Madsen, a West Valley resident, told the council of his excitement for the stations having been concerned about its lack of availability in the city. 

“My behavior has changed since I’ve owned my electric vehicle,” said Madsen, who works at the University of Utah. Madsen also said he often shops at the Smiths in downtown Salt Lake City because of its free charging station. 

“I would like to propose…that we remind businesses and entities that come into our city that this is an attractive thing that they can add to their business,” Madsen said, adding that doing so would attract customers and vehicles who “promote a greener environment.” 

City Management Analyst John Rock has worked on bringing this project to fruition since 2017 going through various levels and entities. Funding for the stations will come from Rocky Mountain Power subsidies and Volkswagen Environment Mitigation Trust Funding Assistance Grant (Volkswagen was caught cheating the emissions system and were forced to payout millions of dollars, Utah was part of that settlement). 

Rock said they considered two vendors for installation, but chose Electric Highway Company because its annual maintenance fees would be half of its competitors after five years (the length of the warranty).  

Councilman Steve Buhler said even if the stations ran 24 hours a day, it would cost the city $30 a month.

Mayor Ron Bigelow said during the council meeting he believed the stations will “add a lot to our city.” 

Madsen said he feels incentivizing incoming businesses, especially those located at Valley Fair or along 3500 South or 5600 West, to install them is a win-win-win for the city, residents and the business. “I hope there is more of that coming.”