Erin Hill
mail@bradfordvillebugle.com
The City of Tallahassee marked Earth Day with the opening of its first zero-emission electric vehicle fast-charging station, a project officials say expands access to clean transportation and supports the city’s broader sustainability goals.
The station, located at 233-1 W. Van Buren St. near Anita Favors Plaza, features Level 3 direct current fast chargers capable of powering up to four vehicles at once. City officials said the system can deliver a full charge in as little as 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
Mayor John Dailey called the project a step forward in building a more sustainable community.
“With the opening of our first PowerTLH EV fast-charging station, we can see significant progress toward a cleaner, more connected Tallahassee,” Dailey said in a statement released by the city. “As we celebrate Earth Day, we’re proud to highlight how our strategic investment in innovative, sustainable services is vital to shaping a brighter future for our community.”
City officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 22 to commemorate the opening. The project is part of the city’s PowerTLH initiative, which focuses on energy innovation and infrastructure improvements.
The charging station includes a canopy design and is positioned within walking distance of several local amenities, including Cascades Park, Lake Anita and nearby trails along FAMU Way. Officials said the location was selected to allow drivers to access recreational areas and businesses while their vehicles charge.
City Manager Reese Goad described the station as part of a shift in how fueling infrastructure is designed.
“This is what tomorrow’s gas station looks like, built today,” Goad said. “The City of Tallahassee continues to lead in innovation by advancing forward-thinking solutions that drive meaningful progress and set a lasting standard for sustainable infrastructure.”
The project was developed in partnership with ChargePoint, which supplied the charging equipment, along with Tallahassee-based BKJ Architecture and Southern Standard Construction. Multiple city departments, including Electric Utility, Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure, Fleet Operations and Technology and Innovation, contributed to the effort.
Additional fast-charging stations are under construction at Orange Avenue and Meridian Street and on West Tharpe Street near North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to city information.
The new station adds to a growing network of EV infrastructure across Florida and reflects increasing demand for faster charging options as electric vehicle adoption continues to rise. City officials said the investment is intended to improve accessibility for residents and visitors while reducing emissions associated with transportation.
