Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Open Daily / 24hrs
Connector Type: J1772
Power Output: 6.6 kW shared
Number of connectors: 2
In 2022, WBNA unveiled a new electric vehicle charging station outside our headquarters. This returned the building to its roots as a Texaco gas station, but with an update that reflects the crucial need for sustainable practices in our neighborhood. Our electric vehicle charging station is powered by solar panels on WBNA's roof, and is open to all at a below-market rate.
With the support of WBNA's staff, board members Alozie Nwosu and Kai Salem spearheaded the effort to bring convenient EV charging to our neighborhood. A survey first helped determine community interest in the charging station as a way to support the use of electric vehicles in the neighborhood. Multiple bids were sought for the installation, logistical support was provided by the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and funding support was provided by National Grid’s Make-Ready Program.
“Electric vehicle charging is just one piece of the puzzle alongside WBNA’s work helping neighbors install solar panels, advocating for sustainable construction practices, and supporting the installation of bike infrastructure,” said Kai Salem, “Together, these projects will help turn the vision of a carbon neutral Providence into a reality.”
The building on the corner of Westminster and Sycamore street was first erected as a Texaco gas station in the 1930s. It went from fueling cars to fueling community in 1997 when a volunteer-driven renovation transformed it into the WBNA’s headquarters. In 2011 solar panels were added to the roof as part of WBNA’s neighborhood-wide “Go Solar” initiative. With the addition of the EV charging station, 1560 Westminster Street returned to its origins as a hub for vehicles while replacing carbon-intensive gasoline with solar-powered electricity.
The EV charging station was officially unveiled on January 6, 2022 in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jorge Elorza.