Partnership encourages electric vehicle charging stations
Charge Up! Arkansas, a new partnership between Entergy Arkansas and Adopt a Charger, will break ground on the first of 10 electric vehicle charging stations locations on Monday, February 1 at Flagpole Park in Lonoke. The Lonoke location will have four charging ports and was unanimously approved by the Lonoke City Council.
“Entergy Arkansas is happy to support the expansion of innovative, customer-centric technologies such as electric vehicle chargers,” said Kurt Castleberry, director of Resource Planning and Market Operations for Entergy Arkansas. “Investments like this help advance clean energy technology and sustainability for our customers, communities and all of our stakeholders.”
Adopt a Charger is a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles by broadening available charging infrastructure. Raising awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles and encouraging ecotourism in Arkansas are the goals of Charge Up! Arkansas, supported in part through a grant from Entergy Corporation Environmental Initiatives Fund.
The stations will enable zero emission travel for locals and visitors and will be installed at popular destinations and well-traveled areas across the state. All sites will offer “fee-free” charging to drivers to incentivize electric vehicle owners to plug in. The plan enables interaction between curious consumers and the enthusiastic EV driver community, which has proven to be the best way to educate potential EV drivers about EV technology.
Adopt a Charger is also partnering with REV Brand to start a chapter of the Electric Auto Association. REV is an electric vehicle lifestyle brand dedicated to growing the electric vehicle infrastructure and promoting education and outreach efforts. The association is North America’s leading nonprofit accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. The association supports its 100 chapters and thousands of members as they talk neighbor-to-neighbor in their communities about the benefits of driving electric vehicles.
“When people spot an EV driving down the road, they don’t automatically notice that the vehicle runs on electricity. The “aha” moment happens when they see the car plugged in at places they like to go, and they get to ask questions of the driver about the owner’s experience,” said Kitty Adams, executive director of Adopt a Charger.
The newly formed Arkansas Electric Vehicle Association will organize an educational National Drive Electric Week event and partner with local dealerships to educate vehicle salespeople about EVs.
Source : magnoliareporter
