Greentech Lead America: Walgreens and Car Charging Group,
a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging services, have expanded EV
charging services to 13 Walgreens locations in Orlando and Tampa/St.
Petersburg, Fla.
The deployment of EV charging stations in communities
along major commuter routes helps eliminate range anxiety and helps foster the
EV revolution.
The two companies plan to expand their EV charging
services with more locations in major metropolitan cities in Florida as well as
in other cities including Phoenix, Arizona; Akron, Canton and Columbus, Ohio;
and Austin, Texas.
“As more people choose greener, healthier
lifestyles, we are excited to work with Car Charging Group to expand convenient
EV charging options in the Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg areas as well as in
several new states and markets to come,” said Walgreens market vice
president Marlin Hutchens.
“Walgreens stores are ideal locations for EV drivers
to top-off their batteries while shopping. Walgreens commitment to providing EV
charging services to its customers nationwide is a testament to its support of
environmental sustainability and of electric vehicle use,” said Michael D
Farkas, chief executive officer of Car Charging Group.
Car Charging Group has installed its charging stations at
multiple Walgreens locations in Orlando and in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area,
further supporting its ability to provide EV charging services where people
live, work and play.
Electric vehicles already on the market include the
Nissan Leaf, the Chevy Volt and the BMW ActiveE. EV drivers will be able to buy
from a variety of cars including the Ford Focus electric which should start
shipping next month, as well as the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Honda Fit
EV, and the Tesla Model S that are forecasted to be due out in June.
Car Charging Group installs fast EV charging stations
which provide 240 volts with 32 amps of power, in order to quickly refuel an
electric vehicle’s battery. The EV charging stations utilize the standard SAE
J1772(TM) connector adopted by automobile manufacturers.
Walgreens has more than 130 rooftop solar installations
at stores and distribution centers across the country. The company utilizes an
energy management system that monitors electricity, water, heating and cooling
and waste management at more than 3,000 stores to help reduce energy usage and
maintenance costs while extending equipment life.