The Ohio Statehouse has become the second state capitol building in the country to install electric vehicle charging stations!  The project was funded through grants from Clean Fuels Ohio, the U.S. Department of Energy, Honda of America, General Motors, Eaton Corp. and Professional Supply Inc. The total installation cost was about $36,000.

Conveniently positioned electric vehicle chargers are available for public use on the green level of the Ohio Statehouse Parking Garage.

The charging stations, manufactured by the Eaton Corporation, have a modern look and resemble normal gas pumps. Once a vehicle is plugged in, it begins to charge immediately using 240 volts of electricity. The charging stations are able to take a typical electric car battery from zero to full in six to eight hours. The chargers are easy to use and work similarly to gas pumps and adhere to the automotive industry’s current standards for electric vehicles.

Users of the Ohio Statehouse charging stations are required to pay .50 per hour for the electricity they draw. The fees can be charged to the user’s credit card directly at the charging station.