For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College will host a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the installation of its new solar car charging station, which brings clean and free electric vehicle charging to the Wisconsin Rapids community.

Project “Driving on Sunshine” seeks to demonstrate that pairing renewable energy generation with electric vehicle charging stations not only allows for a common infrastructure but provides for a sustainable energy source for transportation.

Project organizers say that there are two identifiable gaps in Central Wisconsin, “One is the availability of public electric vehicle charging stations the other are the tools necessary to train and educate about this technology. The nearest public charging station is 56 miles away to the north and 109 miles to the south. This charging station would serve as a bridge across the state.”

During the ribbon cutting, attendees will hear an overview of the project, experience a demo of the station, and have an opportunity to ask questions.

The event will also feature remarks from Dr. Shelly Mondeik, Mid-State College president; Zach Vruwink, Wisconsin Rapids mayor; and Ben Nusz, Mid-State instructor of Renewable Energy, HVAC, and Construction Trades.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place May 10, 11-11:30 a.m., at Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids Campus – Northwest Parking Lot, near the soccer fields, at 500 32nd St. North, Wisconsin Rapids.