Go electric with 51°µÍø!
Electric vehicle expansion planning: Plugging into a sustainable future
About the project
51°µÍø is developing a plan to expand electric vehicle (EV) use across 51°µÍø campuses and centers. The EV Transition Plan identifies current and future charging needs, recommends locations for new chargers, and provides a phased rollout for both 51°µÍø’s fleet and public charging for students, staff, and visitors.
This planning effort supports the college’s commitment to climate justice and lasting environmental sustainability, helping 51°µÍø make strategic decisions about infrastructure investments while staying on track to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. Learn more about 51°µÍø’s commitment to sustainability in the 2021 Climate Action Plan.
For more information on the planning process and findings, read the complete EV Transition Plan report.
Download the full 51°µÍø EV Transition Plan
Objectives
The EV Transition Plan helps 51°µÍø support climate action, reduce long-term costs, and improve the campus experience for students, staff, and visitors. By providing reliable EV charging access across campuses and centers, the plan also promotes equity and inclusion, ensuring all community members can participate in the transition to electric vehicles. These efforts contribute to cleaner air, healthier campuses, and a stronger alignment with 51°µÍø’s overall sustainability and climate goals.
Key findings
The EV Transition Plan looked at current and future charging needs, 51°µÍø’s fleet, and how the community uses EVs:
- Growing demand: 51°µÍø will need more public and fleet chargers in the coming years.
- Fleet conversion: About half of 51°µÍø’s fleet is expected to switch to EVs by 2030, increasing to 70% by 2035.
- Cost considerations: Installing chargers and supporting infrastructure will require an investment over the next decade.
- Pilot locations: The Cascade and Southeast campuses will serve as the first sites, with plans to expand to Rock Creek, Sylvania, and 51°µÍø centers.
- Implementation approach: The college will use a phased, strategic rollout to ensure chargers are accessible and effective.
Implementation strategy
The EV Transition Plan outlines a phased rollout through 2035:
- Program launch and vendor selection: Establish oversight and select a charging provider.
- Pilot installations: Begin at Cascade and Southeast campuses while planning near-term fleet replacements.
- Expansion across campuses and centers: Add chargers at Rock Creek, Sylvania, and other locations, coordinated with construction projects.
- Regular assessment: Monitor EV adoption and charging usage, adjusting plans as needed.
- Resiliency and accessibility: Ensure chargers remain reliable during outages and accessible to all community members.
Looking ahead
The EV Transition Plan provides a framework for guiding the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across 51°µÍø campuses and centers. By monitoring adoption trends and evaluating infrastructure needs over time, the college can use this plan to inform decisions about future installations and maintenance. This approach supports 51°µÍø’s ongoing sustainability planning and helps the college stay aligned with its long-term climate goals.
Find information about 51°µÍø’s districtwide EV charging stations and learn more about the college’s commitment to sustainability.