MARION – More electric vehicle charging stations should be available in town, according to The Marion Energy Management Committee.

Additional stations would encourage residents to purchase electric vehicles, said committee member Eileen Marum.

“Range anxiety keeps some potential consumers from buying an EV,” Marum explained, referring to the feeling that people with electric vehicles may have about not being able to charge a low battery. While electric vehicles can be charged at home, public charging stations can extend the car’s range while away from home – especially in colder weather, when battery power is also used to heat the car. 

“Without a guarantee that one can easily recharge their vehicle, many consumers feel the risk is too great for the cost of the vehicle.”

This is a valid fear, Marum has pointed out, as there are only about 7,000 electric vehicle charging stations in the United States, compared to more than 158,000 gas stations.

Marum is an outspoken advocate for making Marion a greener community, and does not think the current amount of charging stations in Marion is sufficient to accomplish that.

There are currently charging stations at the Town House, the Harbormaster’s office on Island Wharf, and the Community Center.

She stated that these stations are “always in use” and often by electric vehicles that belong to the town. The public is allowed to use the stations if they are vacant.

There are not many other charging stations in the Tri-Town, with two in Rochester located at the town hall parking lot and none in Mattapoisett.

There are also complaints that the current stations themselves don’t even work consistently. “I plugged in at the Town House the other day,” said committee Chair Christian Ingerslev. “I noticed that the car I plugged in did not get any charge, and it’s only a little car.”

Proposed Marion locations for stations include parking areas at Sippican School, the Old Landing, General Store and Kate’s Simple Eats, Silvershell Beach and Beverly Yacht Club area, among others.

“I specifically chose those places because of their visibility and access,” Marum said.

Town Administrator Jay McGrail agreed that the town could definitely use more.

McGrail said the committee should talk to him and bring the issue to the Select Board. They could then search for grant money to fund more charging stations.

Tom Friedman of the Energy Management Committee described charging stations as a “Field of Dreams” situation.

“If we build it, they will come,” he said.