Alaska MusEVms

Why is this important?

The museum sector within the United States emits 12 million tons of carbon emissions every year. Alaskans are already experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change. If we are to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need to shift towards renewable energy solutions now, both within the museum sector and within our communities.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a pathway to reducing carbon emissions. However, to reach our climate targets, there need to be 78,000 EVs on the road in Alaska by 2030. Currently there are only 650.

Museums can help. A primary impediment to EV adoption is the perception there aren’t places to charge EVs in a community. As high profile institutions, museums are in the position to help ease so-called “range anxiety.” By hosting EV chargers, museums become necessary destinations for those who already own EVs—both locals and out of town visitors.

EV ownership is on the rise, and the exponential growth of EVs is certain. Now is the time to enhance EV charging capacity within Alaska while making museums part of Alaska’s essential transportation infrastructure.

What’s more, this is a way to demonstrate that your museum embraces innovation and supports the local economy by using locally produced energy. Museums will also attract a new kind of visitor.

What museums are eligible to take part?

Museums are eligible to take part based on a location’s suitability for an EV charging station. Suitability is based on a technical assessment of electrical infrastructure at your location. If you are interested in installing an EV charging station, AKEVA will determine if your site meets the technical specifications. You do not need to be on the road system to take part.

What kind of EV charging stations are there?

This project will primarily fund L2 chargers, which have the electrical draw similar to a residential hot water heater.

It could be that some sites are well suited for DC Fast Chargers. This is something to discuss during your consultation with AKEVA.

Learn more about the different kinds of EV chargers [PDF, 2 MB].

Where in Alaska are there already EV charging stations?

Visit PlugShare to see a map of EV charging stations.

What will I need to provide during the consultation with AKEVA?

You will need to consider parking places at your location that could serve as good sites for EV charging. You will also need to share your utility bill to assess the electrical load capacity at your location.

What is the cost to take part?

AKEVA and partners are working to access grant funds that will pay for Level 2 charging stations and installation. After installation, the museum is responsible for managing the charging station, including network fees (if a networked charger is installed) and electrical utility payments.

Where is the funding coming from for this project?

There are several sources of funds to install EV charging stations in Alaska, including monies from the Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust. AKEVA will match your project with the funding source that makes most sense.

Are there other incentives to take part in this program?

The first five museums to install EV charging stations will receive $200. The museums can use this money in whatever way they choose.

Can the museum charge a fee for EV drivers to use the charging station?

Most EV charging stations in Alaska are free for EV drivers and offered as a courtesy by the host. However, there are networked EV charging stations, where the user pays with a credit card. These networked EV chargers might make sense for your museum based on the electrical utility rate and how frequently you believe the charger will be used.

Must my community electricity come from hydropower or a renewable source to take part in this program?

Not necessarily. AKEVA is dedicated to expanding EV infrastructure across Alaska, regardless of power source, with the hopes that expanded EV ownership will empower the expansion of renewable energy resources in communities that currently generate electricity with fossil fuels.

Is this opportunity only open to museums?

If your museum is not a great location for an EV charging station but you know of an appropriate site in your community, please connect that site with AKEVA. Please note that only museums qualify for the $200 incentive.

There aren’t any EVs in my community. Does it make sense to install a charging station?

Yes! Though it might seem a symbolic gesture, you are enhancing the visibility of zero emissions technologies in your community. Installing the charging station will likely inspire members of your community (perhaps even staff or volunteers) to purchase electric vehicles.

Are there museums in Alaska that have EV charging stations already?

Yes, the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff State Library, Archives, and Museum Building in Juneau has two L2 EV charging stations. The Cordova Center, home of the Cordova History Museum, also has a L2 EV charging station. In Yukon Territory, the Museum of Transportation in Whitehorse has a DC fast charger. We look forward to adding to this list through this project.

How do I sign up?

Please click on the Contact tab above to connect with AKEVA to begin the consultation process.

Who should I connect with to learn more about electric vehicle charging stations?

Please click on the Contact tab above to reach out to AKEVA directly.

Who should I connect with to learn more about this partnership?

Please contact Anjuli Grantham, Curator of Statewide Services at the Alaska State Museum, at 907-465-4806 or anjuli.grantham@alaska.gov.