Cali O'Hare file photo

PINEDALE — A partnership between the Town of Pinedale and OtterSpace Electric Vehicle means an additional charging station is coming to Sublette County. A 120 kilowatt station capable of fast-charging electric vehicles (EVs) is slated for installation in the public parking lot at 31 North Maybell Ave., between Pine and Magnolia streets, later this summer.

The charging station’s proximity to the heart of downtown Pinedale means EV users can grab a bite to eat and peruse the local shops while waiting on a charge. Otterspace Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships Kristen Gunther said, "This is the first fast charging station in Pinedale, and among the first fast charging stations to be built off the interstate in Wyoming."

The Town of Pinedale began soliciting companies to bid on the project, operated as a private for-profit venture, in September 2022. At that time, councilman Scott Kosiba encouraged the town to “get in front” of the electric vehicle trend, noting Pinedale could capitalize on tourists traveling in EVs to Jackson and Yellowstone.

Currently, there are six EV charging stations in Pinedale, including a Level 2, four-port facility owned by Tesla and located at 402 W. Pine St., behind the Wind River Brewing Company. According to way.com, other EV charging stations in Pinedale can be found at the Log Cabin Motel, 27 E. Magnolia St., Teton Court Motel., 123 E. Magnolia St., the Baymont by Wyndham Pinedale, 1424 W. Pine St., and L.R. Communications, 99 W. Mill St.

Mayor Matt Murdock said, “The Town of Pinedale is happy to partner with Otterspace to provide EV charging for visitors to and residents of the area. This public-private partnership comes at little, if any cost to the town and will give Pinedale area residents more transportation options while allowing us to welcome a broader tourism base to strengthen local businesses.”

OtterSpace, a Wyoming electric vehicle charging company, was founded in 2021 by Mike Yin.