UT Installs EV Charging Stations on Campus for UT Drivers

In an effort to further its commitment to sustainability and energy savings, The University of Tampa has installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the first floor of the Thomas Parking Garage on campus. Two are now operable and two others are in place and will be activated as demand dictates.

The stations were installed to support students, faculty and staff who drive plug-in vehicles. The charging stations can charge vehicles such as the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric and the Honda Fit Electric.

The stations are reserved for use by UT community members with UT registered vehicles. Vehicle owners using the stations but not displaying a current UT vehicle registration hang-tag or a temporary parking permit will be ticketed.

UT administration urges users to charge their vehicles, and then find alternate parking to allow others to use the service. The administration will evaluate charging station usage and consider additional locations.

“We’re pleased to offer this service, and we encourage the UT community to utilize the EV stations to charge their electric vehicles, which have less of an impact on the natural environment,” said Juan Soler, UT’s energy manager.

Vehicle charging will be free for the month of September. In October, as part of energy awareness month, a four-hour duration charge period is being provided at no cost. Starting in November, the fee will be $1 per hour for the first 4 hours, and then $2 per hour for each additional hour.

The EV charging system includes Web-based tools for drivers. Drivers can visit www.SemaConnect.com and establish an account. Users will then receive a SmartCard in the mail that can be used to activate the EV charging stations.

For more information, go to www.ut.edu/sustainability/electricvehicle.