Mayor Horrigan Launches Electric Vehicle Charging Station Taskforce

City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Stephanie Marsh
Published: 06-08-2022

Akron, Ohio, June 8, 2022 — Today, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced a new City-led initiative to bring more electric vehicle charging stations to Akron. Affordability projections indicate that 150-mile range electric vehicles will be cheaper than conventional vehicles by 2025 when accounting for initial cost combined with total vehicle ownership costs. Due to the expected rise in electric vehicle ownership, the City has created a taskforce to explore opportunities to install more charging stations throughout Akron.

"From tires, to blimps, to airships, and now electric vehicles, Akron has a history of looking towards the future of transportation," said Mayor Horrigan. "Preparing for a rise in EVs is the next logical step for our city. Our investments and planning today will help reduce emissions from transportation which will in turn help create a healthier and more just city in the future. Working with key partners, we hope to create a network of EV charging stations that will be equitably placed and well-utilized throughout Akron."

Akron currently has 22 public EV charging locations with a total of 29 ports. There is also 1 public DC fast charging station in Akron.  

The taskforce has developed initial goals for the group including:

• Prioritize buildout targets by leveraging City property and available funding;
• Ensure that public EV charging and EV car sharing is available, accessible and equitable;
• Identify and eliminate public charging siting barriers;
• Develop Citywide planning benchmarks; and
• Trigger a market for private investment in high-demand areas.

Representatives from the City, County of Summit, University of Akron, AMATS, Gateway Group, Welty, First Energy, Akron Energy, Akron METRO, and several local electric vehicle owners/residents currently make up the taskforce. The city is interested in recruiting additional Akron residents for the taskforce who have experience in the following areas:

• equitable access to transportation options
• housing security
• reduction of particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions
• current EV owners 

If you have interest and want to get involved, please send an email to Strategic Advisor to the Mayor, Emily Collins at [email protected] and list your experience with one or more of the four areas described above.

For further information, contact:
Stephanie Marsh
Chief Communications Officer
Phone: 330-375-2754
E-mail: [email protected]