Free electric vehicle charging available to visitors at 30 SC state parks
Mountain bikers at Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville. (Provided by SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
COLUMBIA — Electric vehicle drivers can charge up for free at 30 of South Carolina's 47 state parks.
The park charging network is the result of a pair of programs: a partnership between the state parks department and the state's utility watchdog that brought chargers to three parks in 2020 and a larger effort started in late 2022 by Rivian. The electric vehicle maker installed EV chargers in the parks free of charge, according to Duane Parrish, director of the state's department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Park visitors must pay an admission fee but otherwise the chargers are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. The state picks up the tab for the electricity costs.
The free chargers are part of an effort to increase charging availability in the state.
South Carolina remains 31st in the nation and next to last in the Southeast when it comes to the number of fast chargers per capita, according to the most recent report issued by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
The stations at South Carolina's parks are powerful enough to add about 25 miles of range per hour of charging, allowing people to spend time at the park and return to a recharged car. Having the chargers in the parks can also give visitors more peace of mind that they won't run out of power when visiting some of the state's more remote recreation spots.
Most parks have two charging spaces, but the busiest destinations have four. The chargers work with all electric vehicles, not just Rivian's.
However, because the chargers are hardwired into the parks' existing power connection, the state has not tracked how frequently electric vehicle driver have used the stations since Rivian finished installing them in 2023.
'According to the feedback we hear at our sites, park visitors who use the stations are grateful they are there, and they enjoy hiking or taking in the scenery while they charge,' Parrish told the SC Daily Gazette on Thursday.
Online reviews left on platforms for electric vehicle drivers, such as PlugShare, do provide some insight.
SC needs more electric vehicle charges. One state senator wants limits on who pays for them.
'Awesome! Right by the ranger station and boat ramp. Ranger said they're popular — someone's charging here nearly every day,' a Ford Lightning truck driver wrote in April 2024 while using the charger at Devils Fork State Park on the shores of Lake Jocassee in the Upstate.
She was one of 21 users to leave a review.
'Great that SC state parks have these! Charging overnight after pulling my camper here!' a Rivian driver wrote in March 2024 while visiting Poinsett State Park near Sumter.
'I went on a short hike and returned to a fully charged car!' a Fiat driver visiting Table Rock State Park in the Upstate wrote in August 2024.
'On a sunny day you can walk the beach. If it's not so nice out, there's also a cute little gift shop,' a Nissan driver visiting Huntington Beach State Park along the Grand Strand wrote in January 2023.
She was one of 59 people to leave a review.
Other popular parks, such as Paris Mountain in Greenville and Charles Towne Landing in Charleston had between 23 and 68 reviews from users.
The stations are not without their issues. Common complaints included non-electric vehicles blocking the charging spaces or the chargers being out of order.
'All new assets come with maintenance and upkeep, so occasionally the stations have to close for repairs — some of which can be done by park staff, but occasionally may require outside technical expertise,' Parrish said. 'Overall, they have been a nice amenity to offer park users that require minimal effort and expense on our end.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lucid Just Made a Bold EV Battery Move That Could Outsmart Global Tariffs
Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID) just signed its third major graphite supply agreementand it's not just about batteries. It's a calculated move to shield its EV business from rising geopolitical volatility and supply chain fragility. The deal is with Graphite One, a Vancouver-based firm aiming to mine in Alaska and process in Ohio. It builds on Lucid's earlier agreements for synthetic graphite and foreign-sourced material refined in Louisiana. Taken together, these deals could help Lucid tighten its grip on a U.S.-centric battery supply chain, one that's increasingly becoming a strategic moat. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with LCID. We need so much of it, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff told Bloomberg, referring to graphite's critical role in EV batteries. According to Winterhoff, demand certainty is key to making U.S. graphite mines viableand the auto industry might be the one with enough scale to unlock that equation. The company's supply chain realignment began before any new tariff push by Donald Trump, but it now looks especially well-timed. Lucid is expected to showcase the partnership this week at the Alaska Governor's Energy Summit, as battery minerals take center stage in both industrial and policy conversations. Graphite One's CEO Anthony Huston called the agreement a step toward strengthening U.S. industry and national defense, and the market narrative may soon reflect that. As tariffs re-enter the political spotlight and foreign sourcing gets more complex, Lucid's vertical integration strategy could resonate with investors looking for long-term resilience in the EV space. With all eyes on battery input costs and energy security, this isn't just a procurement updateit's a potential signal of where the next competitive advantage in electric vehicles might be built. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Mullen Added to ComEd State Rebate Program, Offering Business Customers Significant EV Incentives in Illinois
Mullen Class 1 EV Cargo Van Now Available for ComEd EV Incentive. The ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate Program joins the growing list of state-level incentives already available for Mullen Commercial EVs, including California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project and Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles program The Mullen ONE Class 1 EV cargo van qualifies for an incentive of up to $7,500 through the ComEd program. When combined with the Federal Tax Credit, customers could potentially save up to $15,000 on each vehicle. BREA, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) ('Mullen' or the 'Company'), an electric vehicle ('EV') manufacturer, announces today that Mullen Commercial EVs are now eligible for substantial incentives through the ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate Program ('ComEd') in Illinois. Mullen vehicles purchased through authorized dealers, Pritchard EV and Range Truck Group, qualify for ComEd's incentives. The ComEd program joins the growing list of state-level incentives already available for Mullen Commercial EVs, including California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project ('HVIP') and Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles ('MOR-EV') program. ComEd's Business & Public Sector EV Program provides commercial customers with a simple and cost-effective path to fleet electrification. The Program will run through 2025 with the goal of distributing more than $70 million in rebates for light, medium and heavy-duty electric cars, trucks and buses. The Mullen ONE Class 1 EV cargo van qualifies for an incentive of up to $7,500 through the ComEd program. When combined with the Federal Tax Credit, customers could potentially save up to $15,000 on each vehicle. ComEd also offers up to $30,000 in incentives on Medium-Duty EVs (Class 3-6), but due to a significant increase in applications, the ComEd EV Rebate Program has temporarily placed new Medium Duty point-of-sale voucher applications on a waitlist. The EV rebate is available to all ComEd business and public sector customers seeking to transition to electric commercial vehicles. The program offers significant cost savings for businesses and public sector organizations looking to electrify their fleets. 'We are thrilled that Mullen Commercial EVs are now eligible in Illinois for the ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate Program,' said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. 'By leveraging these incentives, organizations can significantly reduce their upfront costs in electrifying their fleets.' Mullen's authorized dealers, Pritchard EV and Range Truck Group are offering the ComEd rebates in Illinois and are fully equipped to assist customers in navigating the incentive process and can process the ComEd rebate directly at the point of sale. Mullen's commercial EV lineup includes the Mullen ONE, Class 1 EV cargo van, and the Mullen THREE, Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, purpose-built to meet the demands of urban last-mile delivery. Both vehicles are available for sale and in full compliance with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Air Resources Board ('CARB') certifications denoting strict adherence to clean air emissions standards. Illinois businesses and public sector organizations interested in learning more about Mullen Commercial EVs and the ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate Program are encouraged to contact Pritchard EV or Range Truck Group. About ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate ProgramComEd's Business & Public Sector EV Program provides commercial customers with a simple and cost-effective path to fleet electrification. No matter where you are on your fleet electrification journey, our experts can help you reach your goals. The ComEd Business & Public Sector EV Rebate Program will run through 2025 with the goal of distributing more than $70 million in rebates for light-, medium- and heavy-duty electric cars, trucks and buses. To learn more, visit About MullenMullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of commercial electric vehicles ('EVs') with two United States-based vehicle plants located in Tunica, Mississippi, (120,000 square feet) and Mishawaka, Indiana (650,000 square feet). In August 2023, Mullen began commercial vehicle production in Tunica. As of January 2024, both the Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, are California Air Resource Board ('CARB') and EPA certified and available for sale in the U.S. The Company's commercial dealer network consists of seven dealers, which includes Papé Kenworth, Pritchard EV, National Auto Fleet Group, Ziegler Truck Group, Range Truck Group, Eco Auto, and Randy Marion Auto Group, providing sales and service coverage in key West Coast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, New England, and Mid-Atlantic markets. In September 2022, Bollinger Motors, of Oak Park, Michigan, became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen Automotive. Bollinger Motors has passed numerous milestones including its B4, Class 4 electric truck production launch on Sept. 16, 2024, and the development of a world-class dealer network with over 50 locations across the United States for sales and service support. To learn more about the Company, visit Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, how long the ComEd and other government incentives will be available; the net pricing impact of these programs on the Mullen ONE EV cargo van and the estimated mileage range of the Mullen ONE. Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) Mullen's ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Mullen's ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Mullen's ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen's business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen's business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen's business; (x) Mullen's ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen's plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Contact:Mullen Automotive, Inc.+1 (714) Corporate CommunicationsIBNAustin, OfficeEditor@ Attachment Mullen Class 1 EV Cargo Van Now Available for ComEd EV Incentive.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tesla Stock Breaks Support On These Headwinds With Robotaxi Launch Imminent
The EV giant faces weak demand and Elon Musk's growing feud with President Donald Trump. The robotaxi launch looms.
