WMU is proud to host a public electric vehicle charger network for all electric vehicle drivers. WMU has 10 state-of-the art ChargePoint chargers on campus capable of charging a total of 20 vehicles simultaneously. Chargers are subscribed to the national ChargePoint network and are visible on a real-time map available at the ChargePoint website and through ChargePoint’s smartphone app.
WMU parking spots designated for electric vehicle charger use include:
- 12 near the Miller Auditorium solar array
- 2 near the football stadium along Stadium Drive
- 2 at the Floyd Hall front entrance
- 2 between Sangren Hall and the Seibert Administration Building
- 2 at the Office for Sustainability
We recommend that users become ChargePoint subscribers to take advantage of convenient tools for electric vehicle drivers. Charger users are required to pay a charging fee of $0.20/kWh. After two hours of charger use an additional parking fee begins to be assessed at a rate of $1.50/hr and continues until the vehicle is unplugged and moved.
If you need additional help with chargers or driver tools, please contact ChargePoint at 1-888-758-4389.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicle Charging at Western Michigan University
Who can park in electric vehicle charging spaces?
All electric vehicle charging spaces are available to the public; however, your electric vehicle must be plugged in to utilize these spaces. Vehicles that are not plugged in and paying will be subject to a parking citation.
How can I find the electric vehicle spaces on campus?
WMU utilizes ChargePoint electric vehicle chargers and they are visible on real-time maps on the ChargePoint website and also through the ChargePoint phone app. You many also refer to our charging stations map for locations.
How are the fees for electric vehicle charging set?
Fees are set and adjusted periodically by WMU collaborators who consider: 1) what users pay on average for at-home vehicle charging; 2) best practices at other higher education institutions; 3) ongoing WMU student research on public charging strategies and best practices; and, 4) the need for dedicated revenue to cover the long-term annual costs of charger network operation, maintenance, and asset renewal. The fee structure encourages multiple short-duration charging sessions per day (i.e. campus visitors or commuters who occasionally need to "top off" their battery, as opposed to an all-day or all-night charge for a single vehicle).
How long can I leave my car at a charging station?
Drivers are advised to move their cars as soon as they are charged. Leaving your car in a charging station prevents other drivers from benefiting. We recognize that some vehicles will be left to charge for long periods of time to achieve a full charge. You will be responsible for the fees incurred during the entire time the car is parked in a charging space and using the charger, including after the battery is completely charged. Your car will be towed if you leave it at a charging station for 48 hours after it has been tagged and identified as an abandoned vehicle by the Department of Public Safety. This is the same regulation as is in place for non-electric vehicles.
How can I pay for my charging session?
Payments are made via the ChargePoint network, which accepts payments via ChargePass Cards and contactless credit cards (payment cards that can be read when in physical proximity to a reader without having to be inserted or swiped), Apple Pay, or by phone using a standard credit card.
I’m standing at a station and having trouble, or the charge seems to be malfunctioning, what do I do?
Contact ChargePoint for immediate assistance at 1-888-758-4389.
Can I call a campus contact instead?
Yes, call Jeff Spoelstra at 269-387-0944.