New charging station is the first of 18 planned for Walgreens locations across Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Walgreens is helping to launch the nation’s first privately funded and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network with an initial station at the Walgreens drugstore at Belt Line Road and Montfort Drive in Dallas.
The drugstore retailer is working with NRG Energy to install high-powered rapid charging eVgo Freedom Stations at 18 locations across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
According to NRG, it plans to install at least 30 charging stations at public parking facilities, other retailers and workplaces throughout the area by Labor Day. The charging stations will be conveniently located along major freeways, near retail districts and in multi-family communities. Walgreens is the largest retailer participating in this program.
“Every day, we serve our customers’ health and daily living needs and now, we are expanding those services to help customers who embrace environmental sustainability and electric vehicle use,” said Walgreens director of energy and sustainability Menno Enters. “This is another way Walgreens is showing its commitment to helping the planet through innovation, design and efficiency.”
The charging stations will feature a high-speed direct current (DC) charger that can add 30 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes of charging time, along with a Level 2 charger that can add up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge. The stations are strategically located across eVgo host partner cities to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the region.
By the end of 2012, NRG plans to install a total of approximately 70 charging stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and another 50 in the Houston area. Additionally, NRG plans aim to help electrify the Interstate 45 corridor that connects the two cities by the end of next year. Last November, Walgreens announced plans to host eVgo charging stations at 18 initial sites throughout Houston. Construction began this month at two locations.
“More Americans are choosing electric vehicles as a way to make a difference with respect to the environment and to our national security,” said NRG EV Services President Arun Banskota. “To make EV ownership more affordable, convenient and fun, we have partnered with retailers such as Walgreens to host charging locations at strategic locations in metropolitan areas. Together, we are working to provide EV owners with range confidence, knowing that they will never be more than a few miles from a convenient charging station.”
“We are pleased to have Dallas selected as the site of NRG’s first operational charging station,” said Erv Siemoneit, Walgreens Dallas market vice president. “For our customers with electric vehicles, we look forward to offering some of the city’s best corners to help give people the confidence to drive longer distances with access to charging stations.”
