IC Completes Major Expansion of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Scott Doyle '98, director of energy management and sustainability, at the ribbon-cutting for the new EV chargers. (Photo by Heather Ainsworth)

Scott Doyle '98, director of energy management and sustainability, at the ribbon-cutting for the new EV chargers. (Photo by Heather Ainsworth)

"Access to dependable charging is the number one factor that determines whether people feel confident making the switch to an electric vehicle. This new infrastructure helps remove that barrier for our campus and for the region."

The effort began in Fall 2022, when the Office of Facilities-supported by funding from Avangrid, parent company of NYSEG-commissioned a comprehensive assessment of electrification opportunities for Ithaca College's fleet of more than 150 vehicles. That assessment also identified campus locations where expanded public charging would meaningfully support both IC drivers and EV users from throughout Tompkins County.

At the time, IC had two dual chargers on campus, with a maximum capacity for four vehicles. The expansion meets the growing demand for charging access at a moment when limited availability of reliable charging remains one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

"With this project, we saw an opportunity to not only accelerate the electrification of our own campus fleet but also to meet a clear community need," said Scott Doyle '98, director of energy management and sustainability at Ithaca College. "Access to dependable charging is the number one factor that determines whether people feel confident making the switch to an electric vehicle. This new infrastructure helps remove that barrier for our campus and for the region."

Following a competitive selection process, Ithaca College chose Schenectady-based Lynkwell to design and install the charging system. With guidance and support from NYSEG and the Town of Ithaca, planning began in Fall 2024 and construction concluded this fall.

"This is what it means to be 'Ithaca's College': we invest in solutions that benefit our students, our employees, and our neighbors."

President La Jerne Terry Cornish at the ribbon cutting for the new EV chargers. (Photo by Heather Ainsworth)

In keeping with Ithaca College's role as "Ithaca's College," all stations are available for public use for up to four hours per session. Charging will be offered at below-residential rates to expand access and encourage adoption:

• DC Fast Charging: $0.30/kWh
• Level 2 Charging: $0.15/kWh

Revenue from charging will support long-term maintenance and future EV infrastructure projects at the college.

To improve access for campus visitors, the Level 2 chargers located in the Visitor Lot will return to Visitor Use Only beginning January 20, 2026.

Despite total project costs estimated at over $700,000, support from NYSEG, Lynkwell, and anticipated state rebates has reduced the college's expected cost before revenue collection to just $100,000.

Terry Carroll, Tompkins County's chief sustainability officer (left), and Doyle charge an EV. (Photo by Heather Ainsworth)

Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish emphasized the project's importance for both the institution and the region:

"These new charging stations reflect Ithaca College's deep commitment to sustainability and to serving the broader community. By expanding access to reliable, affordable EV charging, we're helping remove one of the largest barriers to electric vehicle adoption-not just for our campus, but for residents throughout Tompkins County. This is what it means to be 'Ithaca's College': we invest in solutions that benefit our students, our employees, and our neighbors."

President Cornish also recognized the collaborative effort behind the project.

"This initiative succeeded because of extraordinary teamwork-beginning with our partners at NYSEG and the Town of Ithaca, and extending to our Facilities, Electrical Maintenance, and Energy and Sustainability teams, whose expertise brought this project to life. Their dedication is helping build a cleaner, more sustainable future for our region."

Underscoring the importance of regional collaboration Terry Carroll, Tompkins County's Chief Sustainability Officer, noted:

"Ithaca College is helping our community go further and faster on the path to electrification. Expanding public charging infrastructure at this scale takes real partnership, and we're grateful to have IC as a leader in that work. These stations don't just serve the campus-they strengthen access for residents across Tompkins County and support the kind of innovation our region needs to meet its climate goals."

Project Highlights

• 26 Level 2 chargers along Farm Pond Road near the Mail Center and Print Services
• 2 Level 2 chargers at Terrace 13/Kostrinsky Field
• 2 dual-port DC Fast Chargers at the Athletics & Events Center - the first publicly available DCFCs on a New York State college campus
• 1 dual-port Level 2 charger in the Visitor Lot available to visitors only
• 1 dual-port Leven 2 charger at Circles Community Center
• Below-residential charging rates to expand affordability and encourage EV adoption
• Open to the public for up to four hours per session

Ithaca College extends its thanks to NYSEG, Lynkwell, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Town of Ithaca for their guidance and support throughout the project.