To the editor:
I read the editorial and a few letters (in your Feb. 25 edition) rallying against the possible installation of electric charging stations in the new public parking lot.
Some of the opposition is disingenuous because it emphasizes that we would be catering to the rich and their high-priced Teslas; this argument omits acknowledging electric vehicles (EVs) available for less than Teslas. There are EVs priced under $30,000. Many folks in town drive Subarus and CRVs that cost that much.
I think installing the charging stations are a great idea, and that the town should sign up with available and time-tested payment methods to charge for each charge.
Secondly, arguments against this initiative downplay or ignore that people using the charging stations will have several hours to wait before charging is complete. What will they do with that time? It’s highly likely that they will not just sit in their cars. Instead, they will spend money (and those wealthy enough to have expensive EVs may spend more than an average amount) at more than one of the local businesses. When they return home, they will tell their friends all about Peterborough, its friendly people, great shops and restaurants, and customer-friendly charging stations.
I have talked with several EV owners, and they do indeed plan their itineraries around the locations of charging stations. Let’s get with the future.
Bill Chatfield
Peterborough