Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Student Donation Brings Charge to Electric Vehicles on Campus (Video)

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, By Keith Kobland
Share
School of Information StudiesStudentssustainability
Josh Aviv '14 and a graduate student in the iSchool, stands next to the electric vehicle charger he donated to the University.

Josh Aviv ’14, currently a graduate student in the iSchool, stands next to the electric vehicle charger he donated to the University.

As a student entrepreneur who runs the clean-tech company SparkCharge, Josh Aviv ’14 (and a graduate student in the School of Information Studies) says he was surprised to learn there were no locations on campus to charge an electric vehicle. Electric cars are equipped to be charged using a wall socket, but that takes longer than the charging stations themselves. Thanks to Aviv, this is no longer the case.

“We had previously been working to install charging stations along the Thruway when we realized they would be put to better use here on campus serving our community,” says Aviv.

And now they are. Installation was recently completed on two charging stations, one located in the Booth Garage, the other in the University Avenue Garage, located near the entrance of each. For people who drive electric cars, it will go a long way in reducing something known as range anxiety. Namely, the fear of a car battery running out.

“I was very happy Josh donated the charging stations to Syracuse University, as I have an electric vehicle and drive about 50 miles into work each day,” says Sean Scanlon, vice president of advancement and external affairs. Scanlon is a big believer in electric vehicles in terms of both the savings on fuel, and reduction in carbon emissions in the environment. “Considering the environmental, financial and political costs of oil and gas, why use it when you don’t have to?”

Aviv developed his idea while an undergrad at Syracuse, during his environmental economics class. His skills as an entrepreneur were further enhanced as a graduate student currently in the School of Information Studies.

“I’m so pleased that Josh has provided us with these charging stations to use on campus,” says iSchool Dean Liz Liddy. “We’ve helped prepare Josh to be successful as an entrepreneur through his involvement with initiatives like the Student Sandbox and the RvD iPrize event, and I’m thrilled to see him making an impact in the market and giving back to the University in a way that will benefit the community.”

From a sustainability standpoint, the charging station donation is a win-win for the environment and the University.

“It is rewarding to have a donation like this, as it shows the interest our students have in climate change, lowering emissions and discovering innovative products to help reduce greenhouse gases,” says Nathan Prior, director of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management. “Being able to use data from the charging stations will also help the University utilize the campus as a lab, which is one of our goals.”

For now, the charging stations are offered in two garages, but Aviv hopes there may be more.

“We’re pleased to offer this service in Booth and University Avenue garages, but we’re especially grateful that a student made this happen,” says Joe Carfi, director of parking and transit services. “It provides for flexibility for those who use these types of vehicles.”

While Aviv was happy to make the donation, the charging stations will be gathering information to be used by SparkCharge to help the electric car industry grow.

“We believe that Syracuse University could be a leader in electric vehicle and electric vehicle charging station research, says Aviv. “The cold weather in Syracuse gives electric vehicles quite a challenge and we hope to find out more about how electric vehicles charge in the harsh climate. The charging stations will also help reduce the need for fossil fuel, but the carbon footprint of Syracuse University as an organization. We hope that these charging stations will spark an interest in electric vehicles that will carry on for years to come.”

  • Author

Keith Kobland

  • Recent
  • Student Veteran Anthony Ruscitto Honored as a Tillman Scholar
    Friday, July 18, 2025, By John Boccacino
  • Bandier Students Explore Latin America’s Music Industry
    Thursday, July 17, 2025, By Keith Kobland
  • Architecture Students’ Project Selected for Royal Academy Exhibition
    Thursday, July 17, 2025, By Julie Sharkey
  • NSF I-Corps Semiconductor and Microelectronics Free Virtual Course Being Offered
    Wednesday, July 16, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Jianshun ‘Jensen’ Zhang Named Interim Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    Wednesday, July 16, 2025, By Emma Ertinger

More In Campus & Community

Bandier Students Explore Latin America’s Music Industry

Thirteen students from the Bandier Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications recently returned from a three-week journey through Latin America, where they explored the region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving music industry. The immersive trip, led by Bandier…

Maxwell’s Robert Rubinstein Honored With 2025 Wasserstrom Prize for Graduate Teaching

Robert Rubinstein, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and professor of international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is the recipient of the 2025 Wasserstrom Prize for Graduate Teaching. The prize is awarded annually to a faculty member…

National Ice Cream Day: We Tried Every Special at ’Cuse Scoops So You Don’t Have To

National Ice Cream Day is coming up on Sunday, July 20, and what better way to celebrate than with a brain freeze and a sugar rush? Armed with spoons and an unshakable sense of duty, members of the Syracuse University…

Message From Chief Student Experience Officer Allen W. Groves

Dear Members of the Orange Community: It is with profound sadness that I write to remember two members of our Syracuse University community, whose lives were cut short last Thursday when they were struck by a vehicle at the intersection…

Haowei Wang Named Maxwell School Scholar in U.S.-China/Asia Relations

Haowei Wang, assistant professor of sociology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, has been named the Yang Ni and Xiaoqing Li Scholar in U.S.-China/Asia Relations for the 2025-26 academic year. Wang’s one-year appointment began on July 1….

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.