New ZEF charging stations are now available for electric vehicles in downtown Negaunee, accommodating for different kinds of cars and inviting more people to check out the city. (Courtesy photo)

NEGAUNEE — Dual-electric car charging stations are now available for use in the city of Negaunee.

The installation, announced by the city and the Negaunee Downtown Development Authority on Monday, were part of the Downtown Enhancement Project that took place from 2023-24. Funding for the stations came from the Revitalization and Placemaking grant, available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and a grant provided by Negaunee’s member-owned public power provider WPPI.

The stations are ZEF charging stations, designed to charge the battery of an electric vehicle at a slower rate. “We chose this type of system over quick charging units due to the overall costs, and to provide more opportunities for users to spend their time in our downtown while they wait,” said Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron in a press release.

Two stations are available downtown, one at Chiri Park and one off of Tobin Street. As dual-charger stations, they’re able to have two vehicles charging at the same time. Dedicated parking spaces will be reserved from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for electric vehicles. This was done to provide flexible space for parking, according to Heffron.

Users will need to scan the QR-code located on the charging device, which will prompt the user to download an app on their phone and make an online account. Payments will be managed through the application system.

“We have already seen a few people using them before we have officially announced they were available to the public. As electric vehicles become more prominent, we expect to see more in the coming years,” Heffron said in a news release.

Questions concerning this release may be directed to Heffron at 906-475-7700, ext. 11.