State, Dominion partnering on electric-vehicle charging stations

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine today announced as part of his Renew Virginia initiative a partnership with Dominion Virginia Power to install electric vehicle charging stations at certain state rest areas. These charging stations, installed at no cost to the state, are designed to accommodate most of today’s hybrid electric vehicles and use of the stations will be complimentary. Earlier this month the first electric vehicle charging stations were installed at the westbound New Kent Safety Rest Area on Interstate 64 and can charge up to four vehicles at a time.

“I am pleased to work with Dominion to provide clean fuel alternatives for the citizens of Virginia and implement another recommendation of my Climate Change Commission,” Gov. Kaine said. “The charging stations will help promote hybrid electric vehicles, meet the future needs of our vehicle fleet, and help budget conscious Virginians in a tough time.”

The stations charge vehicles at 120 volts and will eventually be upgraded to 240 volts. During the fall, the Virginia Department of Transportation will continue to work with Dominion to identify other facilities for electric vehicle charging stations installations.

“Dominion is committed to accommodating the expected future growth in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,” said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. “This partnership with Gov. Kaine and the state is a great way to get started.”

The New Kent Safety Rest Area, site of the first charging stations, was reconstructed in 2007 and is the first facility owned by the Commonwealth to be certified by the United States Green Building Council as meeting its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. The facility is 75% more energy efficient than the previous New Kent facility and over time the energy savings will result in significant operational cost savings for the Commonwealth.

Today’s announcement comes as Gov. Kaine continues to advance his “Renew Virginia” initiative—an effort to promote renewable energy, create green jobs, and encourage preservation of the environment. During his administration, Gov. Kaine has incentivized the production of cleaner energy, surveyed the emissions of facilities previously grandfathered out of the Clean Air act, dedicated over a billion dollars to Chesapeake Bay cleanup, protected nearly 350,000 acres of open space, and led the effort to promote regional cooperation to combat climate change.