Entergy Mississippi has launched a new direct current fast-charging station pilot project – the first company-owned EV charging station of its kind in Entergy Corporation’s four-state service area.

Located at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, the company’s $200,000 fast charging station will serve both residents and EV drivers passing through on I-55 and nearby I-20. As EV owners use the charging station, Entergy Mississippi says it will be able to study the impact of electric vehicles on the power grid. Insights on frequency, time of day and location can help the company prepare for improvements that may be needed as power use from electric vehicle drivers increases.

“The complexities of the power grid require us to plan years ahead of when we’ll need infrastructure in place to serve our customers,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO, Entergy Mississippi. “By proactively installing this fast charging EV station pilot project, we’ll be able to learn in real time the effects electric vehicle use has on our systems and implement technologies to help manage the demands we expect in the future.”

The facility is equipped with two DC fast chargers that provide up to 120 kilowatts of power and are compatible with different EV models. Customers using the charging station pay $.30/kWh and, on average, an EV can be fully charged for $20-$30 within 30-45 minutes, the company says.

The company says pilot projects like this one can help Mississippi towns and cities, as well as the state, understand how they can prepare to meet the demands of EV on their communities.