AE gets $500K grant for electric car funding

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The number of plug-in electric vehicles are on the increase in Central Texas and Austin Energy now has more money to work with.

The U.S. Department of Energy has given Austin Energy an additional $500,000 to go towards the use of these vehicles.

The goal of this award is to simplify the driver experience and to promote installation of charging stations at multifamily housing properties and workplace locations.

”This plan represents thought leadership from utilities, universities, industry, government and community groups,” said Karl Popham, Austin Energy manager of Electric Vehicles and Emerging Technologies. “This additional federal award recognizes the community benefit and quality of the plan by giving us the resources to deliver.”

Currently there are more than 250 utility-operated and public accessible charging stations for electric vehicles in the region. Austin Energy's Plug-In Everywhere Network currently has 148 charging stations and represents the largest concentration of charging stations in the region.

“The Austin community recognizes the utility, environmental and energy security benefits of plug-in electric vehicles. And the Texas River Cities PEV plan is an important part of a larger strategy in Austin’s clean energy, energy efficiency, and transportation electrification leadership,” said Larry Weis, Austin Energy general manager.

For more information about Austin Energy’s transportation electrification programs, visit the company's website.