OTC purchases two electric vehicles, charging stations

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Jan. 9, approved a plan to move forward with the purchase of two electric vehicles and installation of charging stations in coordination with Otter Tail Power Company.

As pointed out by County Engineer Krysten Foster, 80 percent of the funding will come from a federal grant. The other 20 percent will come from county taxpayers.

“Federal funds first come to the state of Minnesota through the state Department of Transportation, and then come to us here in Otter Tail County,” Foster said. “The DOT acts as Otter Tail County’s agent to accept and disburse federal funds for the construction, improvement and enhancement of the electric vehicles and charging station purchases.”

The county board vote to move forward with the project was 4-1, with County Commissioner Dan Bucholz of Perham casting the dissenting vote.

Bucholz has concerns about infrastructure needs to support the charging of electric vehicles, associated costs, the feasibility of electric vehicles in rural areas and battery safety and disposal.

“The effects of sub-zero weather on battery life are higher in our area of the Upper Midwest,” Bucholz noted. “I would rather see a go-slow approach. Test things out before moving ahead too quickly on electric vehicles and charging stations.”

County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood said he respects Bucholz for his opinions. The other three commissions also agreed that Bucholz is entitled to his opinion.

Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids, however, said his yes vote reflects the movement to wider use of electric vehicles in future years. Commissioner Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls said Otter Tail County’s involvement is part of the due diligence needed as part of the move to electric vehicles.

  Board members say their vote does not adversely affect support to corn growers and production of ethanol for use in gasoline-powered vehicles.