Grand Opening of World’s First EV Tourism Corridor
An example of one of AeroVironment's DC Fast Charging stations along the world's first EV tourism corridor between Seattle and Wenatchee, Wash.
After years of pushing for it, Plug-In North Central Washington is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the world’s first dedicated electric vehicle tourism corridor between Seattle and Wenatchee, Washington. The three DC Fast Charging stations and accompanying Level 2 stations will allow drivers of appropriately equipped electric vehicles (e.g. Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi i-MiEVs with fast charging capability) to make the trip between the two regions and become EV tourists. Several hotels in North Central Washington—including Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth and Springhill Suites in Wenatchee—are standing ready to accommodate these pioneering EV tourists with free charges for hotel guests at their on-site Level 2 charging stations. In addition, several other Level 2 charging stations in Wenatchee are at the ready including two behind the Convention Center and two at Stevens Pass Ski Area.
As we prepare to welcome these EV tourists to our region, the official grand opening ceremonies for the world’s first EV Tourism Corridor will happen this weekend, June 16, 2012, with several events at four of the communities along the route. Many of the region’s most stalwart EV enthusiasts will be on hand with their Leafs and other plug-in vehicles to be among the first to make the full round trip. Due to the day’s packed events, the charging stations will largely be reserved and occupied by these pioneers for their duration. As we are also welcoming other plug-ins that can make the trip, such as the Chevy Volt or Prius PHEV, there will be no restrictions on how many of those vehicles can make take part in this historic occasion.
If you wish to take part or are wondering if there are still slots open to make the trip, please contact us.
WHAT: Ribbon-cutting and community events to celebrate expansion of the West Coast Electric Highway into North Central Washington State with the opening of charging stations along US2, between Seattle and Wenatchee. Over a dozen stations of mixed power levels are available, with more installations planned.
WHO: State and local officials, proponents of vehicle electrification and EV-tourism, electric vehicle drivers and business people will provide brief remarks about the US2 EV-friendly Scenic Tourism Corridor and possible impacts on EV driving and tourism.
WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2012 at times and places indicated below.
WHERE:
Sultan at 9 a.m.
Visitor Information Center
320 Main St., Sultan, WA 98294
Skykomish at 10:30 a.m.
Sky Deli
148 5th Street North, Skykomish, WA 98288
Leavenworth at 1 p.m.
Leavenworth City Hall (behind building)
700 US Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Wenatchee at 3:30 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center (behind building)
121 North Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, Washington 98801
OPPORTUNITIES: Intermingle with State and local officials, Plug-In North Central Washington organizers, EV enthusiasts and drivers, and local business people. Learn about the impact of the West Coast Electric Highway expansion into North Central Washington on Seattle area consumers, rural tourism-dependent economies, energy independent communities, and the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles. Events will include ribbon-cutting ceremonies and electric vehicle charging. The final celebration in Wenatchee features rides aboard the “Current,” an all-battery electric shuttle bus operated by Link Transit, an Electric Vehicle Showcase, ribbon cutting, and talks by leaders of vehicle electrification in the State.