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Electric vehicle charging now available at Hinds Community College

04/15/2024

First community college campus in Mississippi with EV charging stations

JACKSON, Miss. – Hinds Community College is leading the state as the first community college campus with an electric vehicle charging station. Six chargers were installed on the Raymond campus in February, as the first site of Adopt a Charger’s Charge Up! Mississippi initiative. The program is supported by a $160,000 grant from Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

Adopt a Charger plans to install approximately 24 EV charging stations in and around the Jackson Metro area to enable zero-emission travel and educate the public about the benefits of driving electric. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum will be the sites of the next charging stations.

“Partnering with sustainable initiatives like Charge Up! Mississippi helps further Entergy's commitment to strengthen our communities for the future,” said Kelli Dowell, director of environmental policy. “We’re proud to support projects through our Environmental Initiatives Fund that will reduce environmental risk, across our service area.”

On the Hinds Community College campus, EV charging stations are available for public usage at the Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort and the Student Union Building.

“Hinds Community College is proud to be the first community college in Mississippi to have EV chargers located on campus,” said Brock Haas, director of Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort/Business Faculty at Hinds Community College. “We understand the growing demand for EV charging options. These new stations ensure our students, faculty, and visitors have the practical resources they need to choose more sustainable transportation methods. This new technology will help aid in accomplishing our mission to move people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion, and profession.”

According to experts at Adopt a Charger, installing the chargers in commuter communities and at popular destination locations will enable more interaction between curious consumers and actual owners.

“When people spot an EV driving down the road, they don’t automatically notice that the vehicle runs on electricity. The ‘aha’ moment happens when they see the car plugged in at places they like to go and get to ask questions of the driver about the owner's experience,” said Kitty Adams, executive director of Adopt a Charger. “I love partnering with colleges and universities because the demographic is quick to embrace new technology, and typically strives to have a positive impact on the environment. I’m grateful to Entergy and Tesla Motors for supporting the expansion of EV infrastructure in and around the City of Jackson.”

Tesla is donating their Universal Wall Connector for each charging station, which features both the North American Charging Standard and the J-1772 connector. The equipment provides compatibility with all plug-in vehicles on the market. The Level 2 – 240 volt stations add up to 25 miles of range per hour, making it the perfect solution for visitors who routinely spend at least a few hours visiting the campus.

Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund has awarded approximately $43 million in Entergy shareholder contributions to environmentally beneficial projects and programs since 2001. EIF has supported wetlands restoration in Louisiana, reforestation in Mississippi and Texas, waterway and wildlife conservation in Arkansas, and a host of volunteer opportunities and other projects you can learn about here.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Mississippi, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.