BUCKHEAD COALITION FACILITATES MILLION-DOLLAR NATIONAL ELECTRICAL VEHICLE QUICK-CHARGING PROJECT
Thanks to the Buckhead Coalition’s efforts at bringing together GasXpress (a licensee of Circle K) and ECOtality, Buckhead will soon have its own super-fast DC (direct-current) Charger for those eco-minded Buckhead residents who own or drive one of Georgia’s estimated 2,000 electric vehicles (EV). As part of the host agreement with ECOtality, GasXpress, will outfit 15 convenience stations with super-fast DC Chargers, and 50 Level II Chargers divided amongst those same convenience stations situated along I-85, I-75, and I-20, for a project value of close to $1.2-million!
Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition acknowledged, that “a significant drawback for those considering an electric vehicle purchase is the 12+ hours currently required for a full charge. The “blink” DC fast Charger will reduce an electric vehicle’s effective charge time to 15-minutes.” Buckhead will soon be the first community in Atlanta to provide public access to the DC fast Charger, which will be located at the Chevron Station at 2501 Piedmont Road, at Morosgo Drive. Along with the DC fast Charger will also be a Level II Charger to ensure any EV make and model can be charged.
ECOtality’s Stephanie Cox explained that “ECOtality is the project manager of the EV Project, a federal research initiative to help build America’s EV infrastructure, which is now in nine states and 21 major metropolitan areas."
When Massell first learned of this federally-sponsored EV Charger project, he knew he had an ideal candidate with GasXpress. Said Massell, “being the catalyst between GasXpress and ECOtality is yet another advance in Buckhead’s eco-infrastructure, and the Coalition’s mandate to foster a sustainable community for those who live, visit, work, and play in Buckhead”.
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About The Buckhead Coalition
THE BUCKHEAD COALITION is an influential nonprofit civic association, much like a chamber of commerce for this affluent northern quadrant of the city of Atlanta. Its membership is limited to 100 CEOs of major area firms, by invitation. It is celebrating its 25th year, with the mission to “nurture the quality of life and help coordinate an orderly growth” in the 28 square miles with a population of 78,000. Its founding President is Sam Massell, a former Mayor of Atlanta. Its Chairman (changed every two years) is John G. (Sonny) Morris, Chairman, Morris, Manning & Martin. L.L.P.
Jan K Durzynski
8:48 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
This is huge... A few comments though... Of the estimated 2,000 EVs mentioned in the article, only the minority (Nissan LEAF SLs and a couple of Mitsubishi is) will be able to take advantage of DC charging. The majority (Volts) will continue charging with L2s or use gas for extended trips as usual.
Again, for the LEAF owners in GA, it's unbelievable, especially if we get a couple of charging stations between Atlanta and TN, and the coast, for example. I wonder how soon those will come online.
Unfortunately, the Blink equipment is fragile and easily vandalized but I'm sure it was heavily subsidized, so the initial cost is low and it's something will have to live with... Beggars can't be choosers - I'm just happy things are moving. It will be the first 480 V station in Georgia and I'm still a bit skeptical that the permits went through - all I can do is cross my fingers at this point and watch Plugshare to see when they start coming online :-) Thank you!
Praveen
10:31 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
This is such a great news and relief for many of the Leaf owners like myself. I would like to see this network of L2 and DC charging stations grow so that we can confidently take out Leaf more often. Is there a timeline when these charging stations will come online esp the DC chargers.
Thank you.