Electric Vehicles

GHG Reduction Goals

The City of Wilmington has a goal to reduce GHG emissions from municipal operations by 58% by 2050, from a 2007 baseline of 9,704 metric tons of CO2e.

In North Carolina the transportation sector contributes about 36% of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), here in Wilmington the City’s fleet of vehicles and equipment accounts for approximately 50% of the GHG emissions from municipal operations. To meet the City’s GHG emissions reduction goal, the City is transitioning its fleet of more than 700 vehicles and equipment — ranging from police cars, fire trucks, dump trucks, lawn equipment, and more — from fossil fuels to electric and hybrid vehicles. To achieve this, the City is developing an EV Transition Strategy, which will outline a roadmap to transition 50% of its fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles by 2035 and 100% by 2050.

Charging Smart Program

The City of Wilmington is participating in the nationally recognized Charging Smart program to expand opportunities for transportation electrification in our community! The program guides local governments on implementing best practices that remove barriers to the installation of EV charging infrastructure, including planning, zoning, permitting, utility engagement, and incentives.

Electric Vehicle Benefits

Cost Savings

In the long term, EVs are generally less expensive to operate than their conventional counterparts due to lower fueling and maintenance costs. Using this calculator, find out your expected fuel cost savings from switching to an EV. 

Maintenance

EV maintenance costs can be up to 50% less than those of gasoline-powered cars. While some maintenance is still necessary, BEVs have fewer maintenance requirements than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. BEVs have fewer moving parts that do not require oil changes, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, and other common maintenance services for traditional vehicles. Examples of maintenance EVs may need include brake pad replacement, software updates, tire replacement, and, occasionally, battery pack replacement. EV batteries are designed to last the vehicle’s expected lifetime and come with a warranty of at least eight years. 

Lower Emissions

In North Carolina, the transportation sector accounted for the highest contribution (36%) to the state’s GHG emissions in 2024. EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially if charged with renewable or zero- and low-carbon energy. Lower emissions result in improved local air quality.

Learn More About EVs

City EV Charging Stations

The City of Wilmington operates several EV charging stations at City-owned properties, including:

  • Market St Parking Deck – two DC-Fast and one Level-2 chargers
  • 2nd St Parking Deck – One Level-2 charger
  • Riverplace Parking Deck – Two Level-2 chargers
  • Convention Center Parking Deck – Two Level-2 chargers

Locate Other Charging Stations

 

A pair of Electrical Vehicle charging stations in a city parking deck.

Market Street Parking Deck
DC-Fast Charging Stations

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