Downtown Jackson is now home to the newest set of electric vehicle charging stations in the metro area, thanks to Adopt a Charger’s Charge Up! Mississippi initiative. Funded by Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, Adopt a Charger has completed installation of eight EV charging stations in three downtown locations, to enable zero-emission travel and promote EV tourism.

“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.”

The chargers are located in parking lots near:

• 220 S. President Street
• Union Station at 120 N. Mill Street
• Thalia Mara Hall and the Mississippi Museum of Art at 380 S. Lamar Street

The goal of the Charge Up! Mississippi initiative is to go beyond just charging cars and educate the public about the benefits of driving electric. Adopt a Charger has partnered with the City of Jackson, to raise awareness of the electrification of transportation.

Adopt a Charger believes the enthusiastic EV driver community has proven to be the best salespeople for the new technology. By installing EV charging stations in communities and at popular destination locations, Adopt a Charger is enabling interaction between curious consumers and actual owners.

Tesla donated their Universal Connector for the project, 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 the chargers convenient for visitors.

“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,” says Kitty Adams, Executive Director of Adopt a Charger.

“It has been a pleasure working with city staff on this project. Their commitment to uplifting the residents, having a positive impact on the environment, and welcoming visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, made this project very meaningful for me. We’re grateful to Entergy and Tesla Motors for supporting the expansion of EV infrastructure in the City of Jackson,” Adams added.

The EV charging stations in Jackson are part of a bigger initiative that includes the installations at Hinds Community College – Eagle Ridge Campus, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the City of Clinton.

Adopt a Charger is partnering with Lavallee Electric, a local electrical contractor, to install these charging stations and to maintain them for a 5-year period.

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.