AAA TO INSTALL FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS IN TAMPA BAY AREA
41% of Florida Residents Would Seriously Consider Purchasing an Electric Vehicle if Charging Stations were More Accessible Away from Home, showed AAA’s Consumer Pulse™ Survey
TAMPA, Fla. (June 15, 2011) — Tampa is one of six new cities selected to receive 100 electric vehicle (EV) ChargePoint® Network charging stations to support the growing infrastructure of electric vehicles. The emerging EV infrastructure in Tampa Bay may help relieve potential “range anxiety” and instill confidence in those who consider purchasing an electric vehicle. Later this month, AAA will install the Tampa Bay area's first three EV charging stations at the Tampa Westshore office and Palm Harbor locations.
One of the biggest concerns more than half of Florida residents (51%) have when it comes to purchasing an electric vehicle is the ability to charge the vehicle away from home, showed AAA’s Consumer Pulse™ survey. AAA is the first Tampa Bay location to offer EV charging services as part of the ChargePoint® Network, providing drivers of electric vehicles with 24-hour accessibility.
On June 30, AAA will unveil the new EV charging stations in Tampa Bay and will have EV specialists on-site to conduct media inquiries from 6 a.m. to noon and provide demonstrations on how to use the EV chargers.
“AAA understands the future of electric vehicles and is proud to be a leader in support of the new EV infrastructure,” said Pete Candela, director, AAA Automotive Repair. “Just as AAA pioneered the Mobile Battery Delivery and Installation service for members, we want to be equally prepared to handle the needs of motorists who drive electric vehicles.”
AAA will house Level II charging stations with 240 volts that will allow consumers to “top off” their vehicle’s charge in 30 to 60 minutes. AAA’s Tampa Westshore office can charge up to four vehicles, while the Palm Harbor location can accommodate up to two vehicles at once. Upon the introduction of the charging stations, EV drivers will be able to charge their vehicles for free.
“As more EV charging stations emerge, more motorists will consider purchasing an electric vehicle that’s already on the market,” said Anthony Iannaccone, director of EV installation, AAI Electrify!. “ChargePoint is proud to be in the forefront with AAA Auto Club South in leading the way toward a cleaner, more efficient future in transportation.”
Advantages of Electric Vehicle Motors
• Energy Efficient: Electric motors convert 75% of chemical energy from batteries to power the wheels
• Environmentally Friendly: EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants
• Performance Benefits: Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation with stronger acceleration, requiring less maintenance
• Reduce Energy Dependence: The electricity used is a domestic energy source
AAA Auto Club South is the fourth largest affiliate of AAA and serves more than 4.1 million members in Florida, Georgia, Middle/West Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Since its founding in 1938, AAA Auto Club South has worked to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve travel safety.
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in AAA Auto Club South territory from May 2 – 5, 2011. A total of 317 Florida residents completed the survey with 315 not owning an electric vehicle. The survey has a maximum margin of error of +/- 5.5 percentage points. Overall survey responses were weighted by age and income to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Florida.
AAA Auto Club South, 1515 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607-4505 United States