You won’t hear the roar of the fleet vehicle engines at Georgia Piedmont Technical College much these days.  That’s because electric vehicles don’t make a lot of noise.  The college is expanding its fleet of electric vehicles, and providing charging stations to keep them fueled up. Showcasing its commitment to create a more environmentally friendly campus for faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders, Georgia Piedmont Technical College on July 18 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce the electric vehicle charging stations that were recently installed at two locations on the college’s Newton campus. 

Prior to the actual ribbon-cutting, Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, said, “Today we are here to show that we protect and respect the environment.  We have replaced over one third of our vehicle fleet with electric and hybrid vehicles,” he continued.  “I believe we are on the right track when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint,” Simama concluded.  This initiative, as well as other initiatives at the campus, are part of the college’s “Green Scene” environmental movement.

A highlight of the festive ribbon-cutting ceremony included giving attendees an opportunity to check out some of the latest in high-tech, energy efficient vehicles.  Attendees got the chance to get up close and personal with Tesla’s Model S, a couple of BMWs –-- including the i3 and the 530e-plug-in hybrid---the Chevy Bolt, and the Nissan Leaf. Currently, Georgia Piedmont’s fleet includes four gasoline-electric non-plug-in hybrids; two 100 percent electric vehicles; and six vehicles that operate using compressed natural gas.  In spring of 2016, the college rolled out two vehicle charging stations at its main campus in DeKalb County. 

“I’m glad to see the partnership between Georgia Power and Georgia Piedmont Technical College continues to grow,” said Sadie Dennard, metro east region external manager at Georgia Power and chair of the board of directors at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.  “In response to demand, Georgia Power has expanded the infrastructure needed for electric vehicle charging stations.  Georgia Power is delighted to collaborate with Georgia Piedmont’s leadership team in coordinating this ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Dennard concluded.  In addition to Georgia Power, the college also partnered with Nissan and Nalley BMW for Tuesday’s event.

Now that the charging stations are online, the Newton campus is one of four public charging stations that exist within a 14-mile radius.  Although the ribbon-cutting event was held at the Newton D building, (8100 Bobby Williams Pkwy., Covington Georgia 30014) charging stations are also available at the college’s Newton B building, (16200 Alcovy Rd. Covington Georgia 30014) providing stakeholders even more choices when it comes to topping off their battery packs. 

All Georgia Piedmont Technical College charging stations are open to the public.