In a decisive move to address the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, Ithaca College has fundamentally transformed its campus into a regional hub for EV drivers by launching the “Recharge at IC” initiative, a project that significantly expands public charging access. This major undertaking added 30 new charging stations, increasing the institution’s public charging capacity by an impressive ninefold and directly confronting one of the primary barriers to EV adoption: the lack of reliable and accessible charging points. The new network is strategically designed to serve not only the immediate campus population of students and employees but is also explicitly open to visitors and the broader Ithaca-area community, establishing the college as a key supporter of sustainable transportation in the region. This expansion represents more than just an upgrade; it is a substantial investment in green infrastructure aimed at fostering a more sustainable future for Tompkins County and beyond.
A Strategic Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure
The core of the initiative is a diverse and powerful new network of charging stations strategically placed across the campus to meet various user needs. The expansion includes the installation of 26 Level 2 chargers along Farm Pond Road and an additional two Level 2 chargers situated conveniently near Kostrinsky Field, ideal for faculty, students, and visitors who plan to be on campus for several hours. The most notable additions, however, are the two dual-port DC fast chargers located at the Athletics & Events Center. These units are a landmark achievement, marking the first time such high-speed charging technology has been made publicly available on a college campus within New York State. This mix of charging options ensures that the network can accommodate a wide range of needs, from routine daily charging to rapid power-ups for travelers passing through the area, thereby maximizing the system’s utility and impact on the regional transportation ecosystem.
Beyond the sheer number of new stations, the project was meticulously planned to ensure both financial accessibility and long-term viability, creating a model for sustainable infrastructure development. The charging stations are available for public use in four-hour sessions at rates intentionally set below typical residential electricity costs—15 cents per kilowatt-hour for Level 2 charging and 30 cents per kilowatt-hour for the DC fast chargers. This pricing strategy is designed to encourage adoption and make EV ownership more practical for a wider audience. The revenue generated from usage is earmarked to cover the ongoing maintenance of the system and to fund future campus-based EV initiatives. While the total project cost exceeded $700,000, strategic partnerships with entities like NYSEG and Lynkwell, combined with state rebates, substantially offset the expense, reducing the college’s direct financial contribution to approximately $100,000 and demonstrating a successful public-private collaboration.
Fostering Community and Regional Climate Goals
This ambitious expansion was born from a clear and data-driven understanding of local needs, originating from a 2022 campus assessment that revealed a significant gap in available charging infrastructure. At the time, the campus offered a mere four charging spots, a number starkly insufficient to meet the rising demand from an increasingly environmentally conscious community. The transformation from four spots to a robust network of 34 is a direct response to this identified need. According to Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish, the project is a tangible reflection of the institution’s deep-seated commitment to sustainability and its community-oriented mission. By positioning itself as “Ithaca’s College,” the institution has leveraged its resources to create a valuable regional asset that extends its positive impact far beyond the traditional boundaries of the campus, actively supporting the community’s transition toward a greener future.
The successful completion of the “Recharge at IC” project was widely praised as a pivotal contribution to the region’s environmental objectives and a significant enhancement of its public infrastructure. County officials commended the initiative for substantially improving charging access across Tompkins County, a critical step in encouraging more residents to switch to electric vehicles and helping the area meet its long-term climate action goals. The project ultimately served as more than just a campus upgrade; it established a benchmark for how educational institutions can take a leadership role in driving regional sustainability. By creating a reliable, affordable, and publicly accessible charging network, Ithaca College provided a powerful solution to a pressing local need and delivered a replicable model for community-focused climate action.
