Another green initiative by Ball State will go into effect this semester after the urging of visitors and faculty members.
Ball State Parking Services will make available several electric vehicle parking spaces.
Jim Lowe, director of Engineering and Construction Operations, explained the process of deciding how to accommodate electric vehicles.
“We started doing research, and there are a number of universities that have installed a more sophisticated plug-in, ranging from $3,000 to 8,000,” Lowe said. “We decided you could install a traditional, outdoor safe, outlet for about $400; a tenth the cost.”
Lowe said the change came after inquiries from staff and visitors to accommodate for those who drive electric cars.
Parking Services is in the process of creating a map detailing the locations of the spots. Current plans will offer only one spot students will have access to, which will be located near the Alumni Center.
Other spaces include the Emens, McKinley and L. A. Pittenger Student Center parking garages as well as the general faculty and staff parking lot south of campus, Nancy Wray, Parking Services office manager, said.
“Electric cars are a little pricey so I don’t know when to expect students to participate, but we already have three faculty who have ordered [electric cars],” Wray said.
If there is a greater need for electric car spaces, Parking Services will look to meet those needs, she said.
Students looking to take advantage of the power stations will have to pay an extra $60 per semester, and use it exclusively for an electric car, even if they own a gasoline powered car, Wray said.
Guests wishing to use the spots will have to get a $1 per day guest pass.
“Our sustainability efforts are broad, this is about energy, but we address environmental concerns, energy, wildlife and several other things from large scale to simply changing outdated light fixtures,” Lowe said.
The location of the new parking spaces will be designated using a “plug” symbol.
View Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a larger map
University adds several charging stations for electric vehicles after staff, visitor inquiries
