Tempe Marketplace Goes Electric
If electric vehicle adoption picks up—and it may well, with high-end manufacturers like Tesla Motors hard at work developing fully electric vehicles at prices average consumers might be willing to pay—we’re going to need a lot more infrastructure. Last week’s vision of a thousand EVs charging at shopping centers in the not-so-distant future may not be too far out of the realm of possibility.
Vestar is moving to meet the needs of EV-driving customers by installing eight electric charging stations at Tempe Marketplace. Through a partnership with ECOtality, eight Blink charging systems have been placed on both the north and south sides of the center. The systems include handicapped accessible units.
“This sustainable infrastructure enables our customers the ability to charge their electric vehicles while they are enjoying the many offerings at Tempe Marketplace, including our stores, restaurants, movie theatre and other entertainment options,” says Pat McGinley, Vestar’s Vice President of Property Management.
ECOtality is part of The EV Project, a research initiative to help build America’s future EV infrastructure. It analyses existing infrastructure to encourage EV use in key markets.
“Our goal has always been to provide a network of chargers that are conveniently placed where consumers work, shop and play,” stated Greg Fioriti, Chief Revenue Officer, ECOtality Inc. “Situated in a highly-visible and accessible area, Tempe Marketplace is an ideal location for Blink EV charging stations.”
Vestar is already known for its eco-friendly practices, with its GreenStar initiative having made waves as the Southwest’s first large-scale commitment to sustainable shopping center techniques.
