Electric vehicle charging stations installed at Chelsea, Dexter senior living homes
Senior living homes in Chelsea and Dexter recently installed two federally funded electric vehicle charging stations.
Electric vehicle charging stations, like this one seen at the Detroit Auto Show, were installed at two senior living homes in Chelsea and Dexter.
Nathan Bomey | AnnArbor.com
The United Methodist Retirement Communities received federal grants for the charging stations as part of the ChargePoint America program. The program provides vehicle charging infrastructure to nine regions in the U.S., including southern Michigan.
“The objective is to accelerate the development and production of electric vehicles to substantially reduce petroleum consumption, reduce greenhouse gas production and create jobs,” according to the program’s website.
Both stations are available to the public at no cost. They each allow for charging at 110 volts or 220 volts.
“We are committed to respecting the environment and operating sustainable communities,” said John Thorhauer, president and CEO of the United Methodist Retirement Communities in a press release. “Offering these charging stations is consistent with how we are designing new buildings and instituting ‘green’ standards throughout our communities.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at or 734-623-2584 or at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
A2comments
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 11:04 a.m.
It would be interesting to know the cost of these stations as well as whether they can monitor usage to show maybe a year from now if they were a good investment. Also, whether they get used by residents, staff or outsiders.
Mike D.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.
A year from now? The payoff for electrification of our vehicle fleet is going to happen over more than a year. Project the payoff over two decades as battery technology improves and electric vehicle use increases. Look at it over a year and you'll wind up in a no-progress chicken-and-egg (Republican) do-nothing situation.
xmo
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
Is this where are tax dollars go? Who pays for the electricity? What source generates the electricity? Oil, coal, Hydro or atom bombs?
EyeHeartA2
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.
@johnB Might want to do some fact checking there. Here, this will get you started: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_budget" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_budget</a> But, hey, nice job shooting from the hip. Just about as accurate too.
John B.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
No, the majority of your tax Dollars go to support illegal and immoral wars, as well as subsidies for the rich and big business, but what is your point?
zip the cat
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
How much does it cost to fully charge a vehicle every day? I have yet to hear from anyone as to the cost. Electric is very,very costly. Anybody know for sure?
Spyker
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.
Shockingly little! (Sorry for the pun) The cost to recharge a Chevy Volt at local electrical rates is only $1.50. I don't know about the other vehicle brands and models as battery capacity probably varies. But $1.50 for the "fuel" to drive 40 miles is a deal!
John B.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.
Electricity is not 'very very costly' around here. Your point is...?
Atticus F.
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
How long does it take to charge?
John B.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.
These are 110/220 units, so the answer is, it depends.
trs80
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
Awesome, its in a place that makes the most sense. NOT!
John B.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
Ugh, make that 'how far DO the residents...'
John B.
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.
If you are still using your trs 80, I can see how you would say something uninformed like that. It makes total sense to have the stations there. How far to the residents that have cars typically drive? Well within the range of today's electric vehicles, I would say. They are also a core demographic for the vehicles. My parents live in a community like these, and drive a hybrid. I could easily see them going to an all-electric car next.