Goal to Reduce Fossil Fuel Use & Save Drivers Money
Press event for GMP’s new EV plug-in station
COLCHESTER, VT…Green Mountain Power today unveiled a new public electric vehicle charging station with two chargers at the MiddleGround complex in Middlesex that is home to Red Hen Bakery, Zoombikes, Nutty Steph’s and more. The chargers represent the latest in fast charging technology, while also helping to increase Vermont’s energy independence and contribute to healthier air and lower carbon emissions.
“The new chargers are a great resource available to the public to help create clean and efficient transportation for Vermonters,” said Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. “Our goal is to help Vermonters save money and reduce fossil fuel use, while providing clean, cost effective and reliable power.”
GMP now has 10 plug-in electric vehicles in its fleet through its Plug’N Go program and hopes to grow that number in the coming years as more infrastructure is developed to support clean transportation in Vermont. GMP partnered with Don Wexler of Strider Development, who is the property owner of MiddleGround, to install the charging stations.
“This is a great way to help the environment, and also to help businesses attract people to come inside and shop,” said Don Wexler. “We are so pleased to be able to offer this option for customers.”
As of April 2014, according to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, there are more than 700 plug-in passenger electric vehicles across Vermont in 130 communities. GMP expects that number to continue to rise as facilities like the one at MiddleGround come online with new and efficient charging technology. Charging an electric vehicle is highly cost-effective and is similar to paying approximately $1 per gallon for gas.
“One of the biggest challenges in enabling drivers to choose electric vehicles has been the chicken-and-egg problem of establishing a network of charging stations where they are most needed. We are getting that done, and Vermont’s fleet of electric vehicles has grown tremendously in the last two years,” said U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy. “With more, and better, electric car models on the market each year and new charging stations like this one, we are well on our way to meeting the state’s goals to build a strong market for zero emission vehicles.”
With this new installation, there are now 33 charging stations across Vermont, a 30% increase over the past year, with more planned. This initiative is part of the state’s goal, which GMP fully supports, to create a “green corridor” through Vermont and into Quebec, Canada to give electric vehicle drivers assurance they can charge their vehicles when needed.
“These charging stations are critical to increasing the use of electric vehicles in Vermont and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “The charging stations also provide an important boost to the state’s economy by saving money on gas and keeping dollars that would have been spent on imported oil right here in Vermont.”
One of the charging stations at the MiddleGround complex is a ChargePoint station (level 2) that provides 20 miles of charge per hour. The other is a Fuji DC charger (level 3) that provides approximately 80 percent of a battery charge in 45 minutes. GMP purchased and installed the charging stations for $26,800 and Strider will operate the stations. The charging units are available to the traveling public 24/7. Customers pay $2 an hour for the level 2 charger, or $5 an hour for the level 3 charger, using a credit card.
For more information about electric vehicles and charging facilities across Vermont, visit GMP’s Plug’N Go or driveelectricvt.com.
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