Pearlridge Center just got a new reason for shoppers to go there, so long as they have an electric vehicle.
For a flat rate of zero dollars, customers can bring their electric vehicles to a brand new charging station and get their battery juices flowing.
A blessing and dedication ceremony was held Sunday for the station. It’s located in the parking lot on the uptown side of the mall, near the food court entrance.
"It’s incredible for customers who are wanting to shop at the mall, but also actually is, being able to know it’s available so we’re not going to be stranded as electric vehicle users," said electric car owner Mina Brinkopf.
Folks who own electric vehicles will now be able to charge their vehicles for free while they shop at the mall.
"Our owners – Glimcher Realty Trust – are really big on alternative fuels around the country, not just in Pearlridge, and so they’ve backed us on this. We were approached by Volta and we thought it was a great idea," said Fred Paine, the Pearlridge Center general manager.
And the idea didn’t happen overnight – the co-founders of Volta Industries say the project has been in the works for two years.
"We’ve kept it very quiet until we could actually execute it and get it out, and now we’re excited to show it off," said co-founder Scott Mercer.
So, how are they able to offer the charging station to electric vehicle owners for free?
"Electricity is a lot cheaper than gasoline, so yea, it’s advertising that gives back. So our advertisers love it," said Mercer.
Companies advertising on the charging station are footing the bill.
"We really want to use this technology and use the idea that it’s free to inspire people to buy the cars, and to get excited about electric cars and clean tech and technology in general."
There are only two electric charging stalls available.
"We hope there will be some driver etiquette. And there is thousands of parking spaces here, and, at this point, four or five electric vehicle drivers," said co-founder Chris Chang.
Another charging station will be installed next week in the downtown parking lot near the Cold Stone Creamery entrance.
"I think we’ll have our security just monitor it. It’s so new now, we don’t have many rules or regulations but we would love to have a problem where there are too many people that need the use of it," Paine said.
There were 495 registered electric vehicle owners on Oahu as of January 2012, and 663 statewide.
Volta Industries says they plan to install an electric vehicle charging station at Kahala Mall on Wednesday.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
