Now there’s more than one way to refuel at Aloha Island Mart and Shell stations on Oahu. Today, AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) and Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. unveiled Electric Vehicle (EV) DC fast chargers at three locations across the island:
l Aloha Island Mart Kahala (4339 Waialae Ave.)
l Aloha Island Mart Waipio-Gentry (94-826 Ukee St.)
l KailuaShell (434 Kuulei Rd.)
For a limited time, electric vehicles equipped with a CHAdeMO fast-charging outlet, such as on some models of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, can be charged for free at these Aloha stations. CHAdeMO is short for “CHArge de Move” or “charge for moving.” DC fast chargers can deliver a full charge to a nearly depleted EV battery in less than 30 minutes.
“Use of electric vehicles is steadily increasing across Oahu,” noted Richard Parry, Aloha Petroleum’s president and CEO. “As our customers’ driving habits evolve, we’re proud to provide innovative, clean and reliable ways to fuel their vehicles, whether it’s gas-powered or electric.”
The Aloha Petroleum charging stations are part of the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program, which received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and limit Hawaii’s dependence on petroleum. As part of this program, the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Energy Office is managing installation of 200 new EV charging stations at more than 80 locations statewide.
“Conservation and environmental stewardship is part of our way of life and indeed our livelihood,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. “Partners like Aloha Petroleum and AeroVironment, working with Hawaiian Electric Company, provide clean transportation solutions that make environmental responsibility a convenient part of everyday life and keep Hawaii at the forefront of the clean energy movement.”
“We are proud to partner with Aloha Petroleum and AeroVironment to make Hawaii a national leader for Electric Vehicle adoption,” said Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy resources. “Now Hawaii residents and visitors driving electric vehicles from Kaena Point on Oahu's north shore to Sandy Beach on the island's south shore can motor with confidence knowing a fast charger is along the route to and from home or scenic locations.”
In March 2011, the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program awarded AeroVironment an $820,000 contract to fund deployment of charging stations throughout the islands. AeroVironment has already installed more than 80 public Level 2 (240-volt) chargers at hotels, shopping centers and office buildings, and DC fast chargers at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and Wyndham Hotel on Oahu. AeroVironment plans to continue deploying state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure throughout the islands. Offering DC fast chargers at Aloha Petroleum stations will help speed adoption of electric vehicles by individuals, auto rental firms and fleets on Oahu.
“Hawaii shares our vision of an electric vehicle driving experience that is safe, reliable and easy,” said Wahid Nawabi, Senior Vice President of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. “With the opportunity to recharge in less than 30 minutes, it’s easy for drivers to stop at one of Aloha’s convenient locations, plug in and charge up while grabbing a snack or a cup of coffee.”