Entergy partners with SHSU to expand electric vehicle access

To help meet the growing sustainability needs of its customers, Entergy Texas presented a $255,000 grant to Sam Houston State University (SHSU) to help fund the installation of an electric vehicle charging station powered by 80 photovoltaic solar panels. The project is unique as it will be SHSU’s very first EV fast charging station, capable of fully charging batteries in less than an hour. 

Entergy representatives and SHSU faculty, staff and students unveiled the charging station during a special ceremony near the school’s Hoyt Art Complex on Friday. 

“At Entergy Texas, we always look for ways to partner with universities and learning institutions in our service territory to advance evolving technologies,” said Stuart Barrett, vice president of customer service for Entergy Texas. 

“This grant will help students and faculty gain valuable experience with both solar panels and EV chargers.” 

The project was made possible through Entergy’s Environmental Initiatives Fund, which provides grants that help better the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and restoring wetlands and forests. Design, construction and implementation of the charging station was a joint effort by the university’s department of engineering technology’s multidisciplinary students, technician and faculty with logistics support from academic community engagement staff. 

“This is going to be the first DC fast charging station as well as the first solar project on campus,” said Dr. Reg Pecen, SHSU professor of engineering technology. 

“Vehicles with totally empty batteries will be charged in 30 to 40 minutes as opposed to the seven to eight hours with a regular EV charger.” 

SHSU representatives expect the charging station to open for use by students, employees and the public by July 2023. 

The Edison Electric Institute estimates 18 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030.