The first state and federally funded electric vehicle charging station will be installed in Socorro as part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plans for a charging network throughout the state.
Lujan Grisham was in Socorro to announce its selection for the first vehicle charging station in a populated area along a major interstate in New Mexico, KRQE reported. The state has allocated $10 million for the project, while the federal government will add $38 million as part of the $5 billion the Biden administration has allocated to rebuild the country’s infrastructure from coast-to-coast.
“New Mexico has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make truly transformative investments in communities large and small around our state,” the governor said in making the announcement.
Lujan Grisham is a strong proponent for more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to be sold and operated. State lawmakers in May approved stringent motor vehicle emissions standards that supporters predict will boost the number of electric vehicles sold in the state. The availability of adequate charging stations has been a problem in the state. Plans are being developed to increase their availability throughout the state and meet future electricity demands as coal-fired plants are being replaced by more solar and battery storage facilities. Lujan Grisham had planned to make similar announcements in Clovis and Roswell.
The charging station in Socorro will be located on city property near the historic plaza adjacent to New Mexico Tech. It’s close enough to the interstate to attract travelers, who might not otherwise visit Socorro.
