The Great Smoky Mountains National Park now has four electric vehicle charging stations open to the public. The stations were unveiled by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition and the National Park Service, at a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 30, 2015.
The charging stations were installed at two locations, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers on Newfound Gap Road in the Smokies. Each Visitors Center has both a Level 2 charging station and a dual-connector (CHAdeMO & SAE Combo) DC Fast Charger.
Park Superintendent Cassius Cash said, “Putting this equipment in use will help us meet our goal of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 20% by 2020.”
Coordinator of the Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition Bill Eaker said, “The park is a clean transportation leader within the National Park Service and is setting a great example for other parks and fleets across the nation.”
Joint funding from the Dept. of Interior and Dept. of Energy is helping a number of national parks advance their goals toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from park operations and improving air quality in and around the parks. According to the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative website, Catoctin Mountain and Shenandoah National Park are due to get EV charging stations.
“To help keep views along scenic Skyline Drive clear, Shenandoah National Park is acquiring a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, an all-electric vehicle, and three EV chargers.”
“Catoctin Mountain Park will replace two conventional vehicles with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and install three electric vehicle charging stations for park and public use.”
Stay tuned for updates.
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