Mayor Menino Inaugurates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations & Announces EVboston Initiative
Mayor Thomas Menino, right, Joe Nolan NStar Ex VP and Rachel Szakmary from Boston Transportation Department do a demonstration on how to plug in an electric vehicle. Credit David Ertischek
Mayor Thomas M. Menino on Monday, May 23rd unveiled the City of Boston’s first on-street charging stations for electric vehicles. The Mayor also announced the launch of EVboston, a new City program through the Boston Complete Streets initiative, designed to promote the use and accessibility of smart, green and multi-modal transportation in Boston.
Three parking spaces were opened to the public on Cambridge Street in front of City Hall Plaza. The free stations have been set aside for the exclusive use of electric car owners who need to recharge vehicle batteries. The project is a year-long pilot to study the use and durability of the charging units and to inform future implementation plans for electric vehicle stations around the city.
“Boston is a world-class city and one of the most forward-thinking “green” cities in the country,” Mayor Menino said. “As part of our Complete Streets mission and our commitment to sustainability, we want to make sure Boston is outfitted with the equipment electric vehicles require to operate safely and conveniently. EVboston demonstrates that the City is looking ahead to accommodate all modes of transportation and to welcome electric vehicles to Boston.”
Through the EVboston initiative, the City of Boston is preparing for the growth of the electric vehicle market in the region. According to industry experts, nine major automakers have committed to producing a total of twelve mass-market electric vehicles over the next three years. Cities around the U.S. are installing charging stations to accommodate the expected influx of electric cars. Although cars have only been spotted in Boston thus far- as imports from NY adn CT- Boston drivers should expect to see EVs available in this market by Fall.
In addition to the charging-stations pilot, the Boston Transportation Department’s EVboston program currently includes:
We are also hoping to install 30 + more stations as part of a State DOER Green Communities Grant Application within the next few months!
Story Links:
City Boston Hosts Electric Vehicle Charging Fair and Forum
Three parking spaces were opened to the public on Cambridge Street in front of City Hall Plaza. The free stations have been set aside for the exclusive use of electric car owners who need to recharge vehicle batteries. The project is a year-long pilot to study the use and durability of the charging units and to inform future implementation plans for electric vehicle stations around the city.
“Boston is a world-class city and one of the most forward-thinking “green” cities in the country,” Mayor Menino said. “As part of our Complete Streets mission and our commitment to sustainability, we want to make sure Boston is outfitted with the equipment electric vehicles require to operate safely and conveniently. EVboston demonstrates that the City is looking ahead to accommodate all modes of transportation and to welcome electric vehicles to Boston.”
Through the EVboston initiative, the City of Boston is preparing for the growth of the electric vehicle market in the region. According to industry experts, nine major automakers have committed to producing a total of twelve mass-market electric vehicles over the next three years. Cities around the U.S. are installing charging stations to accommodate the expected influx of electric cars. Although cars have only been spotted in Boston thus far- as imports from NY adn CT- Boston drivers should expect to see EVs available in this market by Fall.
In addition to the charging-stations pilot, the Boston Transportation Department’s EVboston program currently includes:
- An information vendor fair and forum for local parking managers and garage owners interested in purchasing a charging station, which was held May 20.
- The convening an “EVboston Consortium” of experts in the industry, equipment and vehicle manufacturers, parking facility owners and interested residents and institutions to advise the City.
- A Request for Interest to be released in fall 2011 to solicit proposals from industry professionals for the eventual adoption of a citywide plan to accommodate electric vehicles and charging stations.
- The City is currently participating in the Toyota Corporation’s “Plug-In” Fleet Demonstration Program. Along with other cities and towns throughout the country, Boston is testing a Toyota Plug-In Prius free of charge to evaluate for future use within the City’s fleet.
- The City is participating in this Northeast Regional Electric Vehicle (NEREV) partnership
- BTD will host a free screening of the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?” held on the evening of June 2 at 8 p.m. on Boston Common. (Rain date of June 7).
We are also hoping to install 30 + more stations as part of a State DOER Green Communities Grant Application within the next few months!
Story Links:
City Boston Hosts Electric Vehicle Charging Fair and Forum
