Marketing needed for EV stations

Editor:

The recent article on costs incurred vs. return on investment (ROI) by the City for the Chargepoint electrical charging station in Socorro is somewhat misleading. The average ROI on charging stations in smaller towns is 2-3 years. Expecting to make a profit in one year may not realistic in a town the size of Socorro.

Socorro needs to be pro-active in informing electric car owners that there’s opportunity to go west on US 60 now. Many electric car owners have avoided US 60 between Socorro and Springerville, Ariz. due to mileage concerns (altitude climbs and winds on the Plains - just like with fossil-fueled vehicles) and lack of charging stations between Albuquerque or T or C, and Springerville. Yes, the apps show charging station locations. But humans are creatures of habit and many electric car drivers may not yet be aware of being able to charge in Socorro.

Because of all of the delays and bad press, I thought the charging station wasn’t operating - until someone told me in May 2024 that it was operable.

Linda Schilling

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