East River Electric Purchases Its First All-Electric Vehicle

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Chris Studer, East River Electric's chief member and public relations officer, with the Mustang Mach E. Photo credit: East River Electric Power Cooperative.

Electric vehicles are quickly becoming a popular option for those on the hunt for a new car. In support of this fast growing trend, East River Electric Power Cooperative, a Basin Electric Class A member in Madison, South Dakota, recently purchased its first all-electric vehicle, a Ford Mustang Mach E

East River Electric has been looking into purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for use as a fleet vehicle for several years. “As a wholesale electric provider for this region, we felt it was important to own an EV so we can help our members with their decision-making process when looking at an EV and learn more about what it’s like to own and drive an electric vehicle,” Chris Studer, East River Electric’s chief member and public relations officer, says. “Because of the increasing number of models available, and the fact that several of our member systems have purchased EVs, we felt like 2022 was a good time to take that step.” 

Having access to a charging station is an important part of owning an EV. East River Electric installed a Level 2 charger and use it to charge their Mach E. When fully charged, the Mach E can travel up to 260 miles. In addition, Prostrollo Auto Mall in Madison recently installed the first public DC fast-charging station for EVs in the city. The station is capable of charging at 62.5 kilowatts per hour providing around 50 miles of range in 15 minutes. The station is available 24-hours a day and payment is typically handled through a customer’s app, such as PlugShare, on their phone. 

“The DC fast-charging station has been a wonderful addition to Madison,” Studer says. “Now when our members drive their EVs to meetings in Madison it’s available to them there as well.” The fast-charge station gives EV drivers the ability to charge quickly and affordably, while reducing range anxiety and the chance of running out of power on the road. 

While there will always be skeptics when it comes to purchasing and driving an EV, East River Electric has had a lot of positive feedback from its members who are pleased that they have a charging station and the ability to learn by experience.

Read more on East River Electric's website: Prostrollo's Installs First DC Fast Charging Station in Madison

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