Massachusetts Launches On-Street EV Charging Program, Athol Among First 21 Municipalities Selected for Infrastructure Expansion
Key Insights
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has selected Athol and 20 other municipalities for its new On-Street Charging program, aiming to enhance public access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Athol is conducting a resident survey to identify optimal locations and technologies for new EV charging stations, building on its existing two stations at the former Pleasant Street School.
Commonwealth Electrical Technologies and Leidos will conduct feasibility studies for potential sites, analyzing technical and economic viability to prepare a detailed workplan for future installations.
The program is funded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council through the American Rescue Plan Act, supporting broader EV adoption across the state.
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced on July 1 that Athol is among 21 municipalities selected to participate in its new On-Street Charging program. This initiative aims to significantly improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly in areas where off-street parking and private charging solutions are limited.
Athol officials have promptly launched an online survey to gather community input, a critical step in facilitating the expansion of EV charging stations within the town. The survey results will guide planners in determining the most practicable charging technologies, pinpointing optimal locations, developing a comprehensive project timeline, and estimating total costs. Athol currently operates two EV charging stations at the former Pleasant Street School, now home to LaunchSpace.
MassCEC has partnered with Commonwealth Electrical Technologies, specializing in the construction, installation, and maintenance of EV charging services, and Leidos, an energy management consulting firm, to execute the program. Caitlan McCormack, an account manager with Leidos, emphasized the importance of community outreach in the grant process. “The survey will give our engineers an idea of the community’s preferences for those locations, and then our engineers will go to the sites and analyze their actual feasibility,” McCormack stated. This analysis will consider various factors, including proximity to electrical services and potential impacts on historic districts.
Leidos will conduct an in-depth analysis of six preliminary sites identified by Athol’s planning director, Eric Smith, ultimately narrowing them down to the three most economical and feasible options. McCormack highlighted that the final product for Athol will be a ready-to-go workplan, should the town decide to proceed with installations. Upon completion of Athol’s survey and feasibility studies, MassCEC will provide the town with the findings, and Leidos will assist in identifying active grants or other funding opportunities for the installation phase.
Funding for the On-Street Charging program is provided by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This strategic allocation of federal funds underscores Massachusetts’ commitment to accelerating EV adoption and building a robust clean energy economy. Other Western Massachusetts communities receiving similar support for feasibility studies and planning include Montague, Amherst, Northampton, and South Hadley. This statewide effort is crucial for democratizing EV access and fostering sustainable transportation solutions across diverse communities.