AKRON, Ohio — Akron is building a task force to examine everything it will take to open more electric-vehicle charging stations across the city.

The task force is in response to projections showing some electric vehicles could be cheaper to own than regular cars by 2025, based on initial cost versus total vehicle ownership costs, the city said in a release.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron is building a task force to examine what it will take to open more electric-vehicle charging stations

  • Akron has 22 public charging locations with 29 ports, and one public DC fast-charging station

  • Projections show electric vehicles could be cheaper to own than regular cars by 2025

  • Mayor Dan Horrigan wants a network of charging stations positioned equitably around the city

To join the task force, residents must be electric-vehicle owners or have experience in creating equitable access to transportation options, strengthening housing security or reducing particulates and greenhouse-gas emissions, the city said.

Mayor Dan Horrigan, who created the task force, likened the electric-vehicle industry to other innovations in transportation in which Akron has had a part, including tires, blimps and airships.

"Preparing for a rise in EVs is the next logical step for our city,” Horrigan said. “Our investments and planning today will help reduce emissions from transportation, which will in turn help create a healthier and more just city in the future.”

Akron already has 22 public-charging locations with 29 ports, and one public, DC fast-charging station, the city said.

The Akron task force will have access to city property and some funding for the sites, the city said. Some of the goals the city established for the task force include:

  • ensuring public electric vehicle charging and car sharing are available, accessible and equitable;
  • identifying and eliminating barriers to siting charging stations for public use;
  • developing planning benchmarks; and
  • triggering a market for private investment in high-demand areas.

The city plans to work with partners to create a network of “equitably-placed” charging stations all across the city, Horrigan said.

In March, Summit County METRO Regional Transit Authority unveiled two new electric buses, and announced more electric vehicles are on the way.

Anyone who has the experience the city seeks and is interested in joining the task force can send an email to the mayor’s strategic adviser Emily Collins.

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