City installs electric vehicle charging in parking garage
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 9 months AGO
Two of the electric vehicle charging stations in the parking garage attached to Whitefish City Hall. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | September 18, 2018 4:28 PM
Electric cars can now get a recharge in the city’s parking structure.
Four electric charging stations are operational in the parking garage attached to City Hall in spaces designated for electric vehicles only. Two are located in the covered lease area and two are in the uncovered lease area of the garage.
“There are a lot more electric vehicles around town,” said City Manager Adam Hammatt. “We want to educate the public and make them aware that these are available so we can see the public using them.
The stations are free to use. Climate Smart Glacier Country has agreed to cover the electricity costs for the few years of operation. Flathead Electric Co-op provided assistance to the city for the installation cost of the charging stations.
The parking spots are designated for electric vehicles only and are for lease holders with an electric vehicle from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Beyond those hours, the spaces are open to anyone with an electric vehicle.
The installation of the charging station is part of implementation of the city’s Climate Action Plan.
“We hope this may give even more incentive for people to purchase an electric vehicle,” Hammatt said. “This really shows the progressive nature of our community and hopefully will generate some excitement about being more climate-friendly.”
The charging stations were installed to allow for expansion to add additional electric spaces in the future as usage and desire dictates, Hammatt noted.
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