Southern University Adds 4 EV Charging Stations

Southern University in Baton Rouge is rolling out the welcome mat for electric vehicle drivers with four brand new charging stations installed Friday at the university's Welcome Center on Harding Boulevard.

The $48,000 project brings convenient charging right to campus for students and faculty who've made the switch to electric vehicles. Even better, the stations are open to anyone in the surrounding community who needs a charge.

The funding came from an unexpected source with a redemption story behind it. Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality secured the money through Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Funds, part of the settlement from VW's emissions scandal.

Now those funds are helping Louisiana communities build the infrastructure needed for a cleaner transportation future. The four stations join a growing network of public charging options across Baton Rouge.

The Ripple Effect

This installation does more than just provide a convenient place to plug in. It sends a signal that Southern University is investing in sustainable transportation and making it accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford home charging systems.

For students considering an electric vehicle, seeing charging infrastructure on campus removes one major barrier to making the switch. Faculty members can now confidently drive electric knowing they can top up during the workday.

The community access component matters too. Public charging stations help apartment dwellers and renters who can't install home chargers join the electric vehicle movement.

As more universities follow Southern's lead, the charging network grows stronger and electric vehicles become a realistic option for more people. Every new station installed makes the next person's decision to go electric a little bit easier.

Southern University is showing that building a sustainable future happens one charging station at a time.