Introduction: Morton College, established in 1924, is a well-respected public community college located in Cicero, Illinois. Renowned for its small class sizes, affordable tuition, and diverse educational programs, the college has a rich history and is committed to fostering student success. In response to the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Morton College sought an affordable and efficient solution to provide charging facilities for both staff and the public.
Challenges Faced by Morton College: Morton College recognized the need for EV charging stations on its campus, not only to support its staff and students but also to contribute to the broader community’s shift towards sustainable transportation. The college faced the challenge of finding a cost-effective solution that could be easily monitored and managed.
Solution provided by Cyberswitching: Upon approaching Cyberswitching, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, Morton College found a suitable answer to their needs. Cyberswitching proposed the CSE1 EV charging stations, known for their affordability and reliability. To enhance the functionality of the stations, the Basic Software package was included, enabling the college to monitor usage seamlessly.
One key feature of the solution was the integration of RFID card access, allowing only authorized individuals (staff and students) to use the charging stations. Cyberswitching provided 12 additional RFID cards, ensuring that the college had the flexibility to manage access efficiently. This customization aligned perfectly with Morton College’s plan to offer free charging to staff while charging the general public for usage.
As a result of this partnership, Morton College made the decision to purchase and install three Dual CSE1 Charging Stations, providing a total of six charging ports across the campus. This move aimed not only to meet the immediate needs of the college community but also to promote electric vehicle adoption among students and staff.
The affordability of Cyberswitching’s solution was further enhanced by the college’s ability to leverage rebates. Morton College successfully secured rebates that covered the entire cost of the charging stations and the associated yearly subscription fees, making the implementation financially sound and sustainable.
Outcome: The installation of Cyberswitching’s CSE1 EV charging stations marked a significant step for Morton College in embracing sustainable practices. The charging infrastructure not only met the immediate needs of the college community but also aligned with its commitment to environmental responsibility.
By incorporating RFID card access and monitoring capabilities, the college has effectively managed and controlled the usage of the charging stations. The success of this project highlights how educational institutions can implement EV charging solutions that not only benefit their internal community but also contribute to the broader adoption of sustainable transportation.
In conclusion, Morton College’s collaboration with Cyberswitching stands as a testament to the successful implementation of affordable and efficient EV charging infrastructure in an educational setting, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Nick Zamanov is a head of sales and business development at Cyber Switching. He is an expert in EV infrastructure space and he is an EV enthusiast since 2012, Since then Nick strongly believed that electric vehicles would eventually replace Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars.