You may have noticed a new structure in the parking lot at Reinstein Woods. In honor of Earth Week, DEC unveiled a new solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station!  State Senator Timothy Kennedy and Assemblyperson Monica P. Wallace joined DEC Region 9 Director Abby Snyder and other officials to open the station.

Manufactured in California by a company called Envision Solar, the system consists of a solar panel that will power a battery that dispenses energy to vehicles, providing solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining. The system can charge two vehicles simultaneously and will lower our collective carbon footprint.

Reinstein Woods uses the station to power a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) used to care for the trails, and a new electric scooter available for visitors with limited mobility. The charging station also features a USB port and a regular electrical outlet, enabling us to charge a variety of smaller electronics such as hedge-trimmers using only the sun’s power.

A state-of-the-art television screen attached to the charging station provides information on the station’s performance and also broadcasts information about upcoming Reinstein Woods’ events.

The station was paid for by a gracious donation from the Julia Boyer Reinstein Trust.

New York State is currently offering a rebate of up to $2,000 that can be combined with federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for the purchase of hybrid plug-in or full electric vehicles. Many newer models can go 50 to more than 200 miles on pure electricity without needing a charge. For more information, visit the ChargeNY website.