GULF SHORES — One of the island's cities is poised to get three electric vehicle charging stations in an effort to support environmentally friendly tourism.

The stations, which were to be voted on by Gulf Shores City Council at a meeting Oct. 23, would be installed at different locations around the city for a five-year term, costing approximately $36,000.

The project will begin once the mayor signs the agreement after the motion passes, according to Grant Brown, director of recreation and cultural affairs.

"We hope to install this fall and have locations ready to go this
winter," Brown said. "Each station will be able to charge up to two vehicles."

Brown said the city has confirmed two locations at the West Gulf Place parking lot and the Bodenhamer recreation center. The city is still working on confirming the third location but plans to also install a station north of the Intercoastal Waterway.

"As part of the Vision 2025 for Sustainability Plan, the City of Gulf Shores is committed to providing the infrastructure and amenities necessary to support a sustainable, vibrant economy," a city document reads. "The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market over the last several years has created an opportunity to enhance Gulf Shores' reputation as a sustainable, resilient community supporting environmental-friendly tourism and business practices. The benefits of EVs to communities include less air and noise pollution, lower driving costs, more transportation options and a commitment to a cleaner energy future."

According to the contract, ChargePoint Inc. has been recommended to install, monitor and maintain the stations, and all fees would be established by the city and based on similar stations in the region.

The city would pay an annual subscription fee of $7,200, which was already included and approved in the 2023 budget. The total cost of the project would amount to approximately $36,000 at the end of the five-year contract, and the annual subscription fee would be added to the city's budget each year until the contract concludes.

According to Grant Brown, director of recreation and cultural affairs, once the Mayor signs the the agreement and passes the motion, construction on the project will begin.

"We hope to install this fall, and have locations ready to go this winter," Brown said. "Each station will be able to charge up to two vehicles."

Brown said the planned locations will include the public beach along West Gulf Place,  Bodenhamer recreation center and a third undetermined location north of the Intracoastal waterway.

Per an April 2022 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism article, there are currently three locations in Gulf Shores and six in Orange Beach that offer charging for electric vehicles:

Gulf Shores:

• Beach Club
• Lulu's
• The Lodge

Orange Beach:

• Hilton Garden Inn
• Hampton Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• The Gulf
• Phoenix VI
• Phoenix VII

This motion was scheduled to be voted on at the next city council meeting on Oct. 23 after being discussed on Oct. 16.