NORFOLK, Neb. - Better options for electric vehicle owners in northeast Nebraska.

Two new charging stations have been added to Norfolk Friday.

"What we're trying to do with this is be prepared for the future," said Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning.

As of 2020, nearly 1.8 million electric vehicles were registered across the nation, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Which is more than three times as many as in 2016.

Moenning says Norfolk is trying to stay ahead of that trend.

"As electric vehicles become more and more common, and more and more used by consumers, we want to be prepared with the right infrastructure," said Moenning.

The city now has four charging stations. Three of them are $20,000 level two stations that take around 4-to-6 hours for a full charge.

"We wanted something a little bit cheaper for someone to top off their tank," said NPPD Energy Efficiency Consultant James Loutzenhiser.

Unlike the other charging stations the new level-three station can fully charge in 15-to-45 minutes.

The $80,000 dollar station was put on 1st St. and Norfolk ave for a reason.

"So people can stop, get charged up, and while they're doing it visit downtown Norfolk businesses," said Moenning.

Officials encourage people to test drive an EV. Officials also say if the city's power goes out, the stations will not be usable.