Status:
✅ One Unit Replaced and Works, Other is Inoperable as of Aug. 29, 2021
Description:
Mount Airy Watkins Park has two Tesla charging stations that were energized in July, 2020. On October 24, 2020, both stations were inoperable. One had no power and had abrasions on the case that suggested that a vehicle may have come in contact with it. The other Wall Connector had a missing silver plate on the connector where the thumb button is. This is particularly unfortunate since the Town of Mount Airy has supported EV drivers for years with fee-free EV charging. These are only a few months old and I don’t know if the damage is covered by insurance or if the Town will have the budget or willingness to replace both charging units so soon after they were installed. Progress will be tracked below.
Actions to Get This “Recharged”
re·charge
1. to bring back to a former condition or vigor
2. to bring back to life, practice, or activity
⏹ August 29, 2021:
Visited Watkins Park today and observed that one of the Tesla charging stations was replaced with a third generation unit with a white faceplate. It is working fine. The other Tesla unit has power but presents an error in the car when plugged in. On a side note, while at the park, I learned the sad news that the Mayor of Mount Airy, Pat Rockinberg, died. Mayor Pat was an EV driver and helped get EV charging stations installed in their town. I talked to Mayor Pat at the ribbon cutting of the town’s first charging station. Here is the video.
⏹ December 1, 2020:
Got a response saying that they are working on the issue and a reminder that they have two operational Tesla charging stations at the Municipal Lot downtown.
⏹ December 1, 2020:
Wrote to follow up on the current status of this issue.
⏹ October 30, 2020:
They responded to say that they appreciated the info. They hadn’t been aware that the charging stations weren’t working. They said that they’re checking into the issue.
❌ October 30, 2020:
I emailed an employee of the Town of Mount Airy who I’ve dealt with before regarding the inoperable charging stations.
I just wanted to let you know that the two Tesla charging stations in Watkins Park were inoperable last weekend. It looked as though they may have sustained damage, perhaps from a vehicle bumping into them or something.
We enjoy visiting Mount Airy and the EV charging is one reason we come.
Could you please let me know if these become operable again?