Cumberland County installed a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station outside the Department of Public Health, funded by North Carolina’s share of the national Volkswagen Settlement.

The charger was made possible by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and its Division of Air Quality, through funds from a national settlement to support clean transportation projects statewide. The station helps increase access to electric vehicle charging in the region and encourages the use of zero-emission vehicles, ultimately contributing to improved air quality.

"Installing this charging station is an important step forward for Cumberland County and our commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future," said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams in a press release. "This charger will not only support the growing use of electric vehicles in our community but will also help reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for all of our residents. We’re grateful for the support of the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality and the Volkswagen Settlement Program, which is helping to drive positive change in our region."

Since 2019, the Division of Air Quality has awarded more than $76 million in funding through Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the N.C. Volkswagen Settlement Program. In total, more than 150 DC Fast charging ports and 839 Level 2 charging ports have been installed across the state, with 57% of the funding directed to projects in rural counties. In addition to the EV charging infrastructure, Cumberland County received a $812,655 grant from NCDEQ to replace five diesel fleet trucks with newer, cleaner technology.

For more information about the North Carolina Volkswagen Settlement Program and the Division of Air Quality’s efforts to reduce air pollution and promote clean transportation, visit deq.nc.gov.