Coastal Carolina University got its first charging station for electric vehicles. On Monday, Nov. 14, officials with CCU, Plug In Carolina, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Santee Cooper demonstrated the new station located near the residence halls on Township Circle.

“Coastal Carolina University is excited about the continuing partnership with Santee Cooper to provide electric vehicle charging stations on our campus,” said Stacie A. Bowie, CCU vice president and chief financial officer. “The installation of Plug In Carolina’s charging station is the latest in our ongoing efforts to promote a greener campus and to further our commitment to sustainability. This station supports the University’s strategic plan to serve as a role model to the community in our efforts to achieve a sustainable environment.”

The station is one of five installed already in Horry County. Other stations are at 4th Avenue and Laurel St. in Conway, the Horry County Library also in Conway, 6th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach, and the Speir Building at Horry-Georgetown Technical College Grand Strand Campus in Myrtle Beach. Plug In Carolina has secured grant funding and is ultimately installing 80 charging stations across South Carolina.

James Poch, Executive Director of Plug In Carolina, has championed electric vehicles since 2006. “We know four things about using electricity as a fuel for cars. It’s cleaner, cheaper, domestically-produced, and during off-peak hours, we have a lot of it,” Poch said. “These demonstration charging stations will help us learn more about car charging needs and preferences, and they really underscore the Grand Strand’s efforts to promote sustainable commerce and tourism as well.”