South River Electric Membership Corporation has completed the installation of a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station at Raven Rock State Park near Lillington. The new charger is located outside of the visitor's center at the park.

"When we were looking for an ideal location for our first vehicle charger, we immediately thought of Raven Rock State Park," said VP of Member Services  and PR Catherine O'Dell. "The state park has been a tremendous partner and provides the perfect site to reach electric vehicle drivers as they enjoy the beauty of Raven Rock State Park."

This Level 2 charging station can charge a depleted electric vehicle’s battery to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. In comparison to the standard Level 1 charger, Level 2 charging is three to five times faster as well.

This station is part of a larger network of EV charging stations. The North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, including South River EMC, have invested $1 million into the rural electric charging infrastructure. The goal of these charging stations is to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and their environmental benefits. These stations help promote tourism, commerce, and economic development; many are located along major highways in communities served by the electric cooperatives across North Carolina.

South River EMC is a locally owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to over 45,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.