WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Even though Anthony J. Ricci, 51, doesnt own a car, he said hell be happy to see five electric car charging stations near the White Plains Metro-North station by the end of the year.
Its a great idea. White Plains is a great place to test things out because theres so much traffic here and it's the county seat, so its diverse, said Ricci, who is studying substance abuse counseling. Anything that will save all of us our natural resources and not pollute, is a great alternative to explore.
White Plains intends to install five dual-vehicle electric car charging systems at 16 Ferris Ave. by Jan. 1. Coulomb Technologies has provided White Plains with the chargers through ChargePoint America, a U.S. Department of Energy initiative designed to accelerate the use of electric cars and reduce petroleum consumption.
Installing the chargers will cost the city a nominal fee, according to Kim DiTomasso, the mayors director of special projects, and maintenance of the equipment will be free through 2014.
Its huge. To get these types of electric vehicle charging stations can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said DiTomasso. White Plains is very lucky to be approached to apply. They wanted us to apply because we have a good history with alternative fuel vehicles.
White Plains currently has a few electric cars, and hybrid vehicles, but plans to eventually bring the electric vehicles to full scale implementation, according to DiTomasso.
The ideal scenario would be that folks would feel confident and comfortable in making the purchase of an electric vehicle, and in some instances, were hoping it will influence people to buy electric vehicles, said DiTomasso.
The city is still studying how much it will cost to charge White Plains-owned cars, as well as residents cars.
What do you think of the electric car chargers? Do you have an electric car or would you feel more comfortable buying one now? Join the conversation below.
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