BONNERS FERRY — The city of Bonners Ferry has entered into a three-year contract with ChargePoint to maintain the city’s sole electric vehicle charging station. 

Located next to the visitors center, it is the only public electric vehicle charger in the city.

The City Council unanimously approved the contract Feb. 3. 

The agreement will cost the city $3,256.67 per year, totaling about $9,770 over the three-year contract. Since 2022, the charging station has generated roughly $11,000 in revenue for the city, at a cost of about $4,000. 

The maintenance plan includes software updates, automatic payment collection, and parts and labor for equipment failures not caused by vandalism. 

From 2023 to 2024, use of the charging station increased 62%, from 168 to 272 charging sessions.  

Those 272 uses generated $3,356 in revenue. However, the city pays about $900 annually for electricity, meaning Bonners Ferry would lose roughly $800 per year if use does not increase. City officials said the station has generated about $7,000 so far, which is expected to offset those losses and keep the station profitable for at least the duration of the new contract.

The council had the option of entering into an agreement with ChargePoint ranging from one to five years, but chose the option for a three-year contract that was recommended by city staff. 

Funding for the charging station originally came from a Volkswagen diesel settlement in late 2019. The station officially opened in 2020.