Pretty soon electric cars will have a free charging station in Central Whidbey.

Port of Coupeville commissioners gave the OK last week to begin installation of an electric vehicle charging station at the Greenbank Farm.

The installation is part of the Greenbank Community Solar project and is being done at no cost to the port.

While electricity to the charging station doesn’t directly come from the field of solar panels generating power at the farm, the station will be a part of the overall system.

The farm can also use electricity from the station during events, though while doing so only one car can be charging.

Before approving the installation, Commissioner William Bell questioned the location of the station, which will require losing two regular parking spots.

Kelly Keilwitz, who owns Whidbey Sun and Wind, said the location was determined because it was near an outbuilding that was powered, and the economic benefits far outweigh losing two regular parking spots.

Electric cars are a culture. The cars generally come equipped with apps that indicate where charging stations are located so needed signage is minimal.

The economic benefit, Keilwitz said, is while people stop to charge their cars for half an hour or an hour, they’ll wander around the farm, shopping and maybe having a bite to eat.

Commissioners approved the installation but said they’d like to see some kind of meter system included so the port can access statistical data on how frequently the station is used.

“We look forward to getting this installed by the summer driving season, said Kevin Mass, of Glacier Energy Inc., who represents the community solar project.