Michigan Retail Chain Installs EV Charging Stations

Meijer, the Grand Rapids-based supercenter chain, will invest nearly $100,000 to install electric vehicle charging stations at several of its Michigan stores.

The first charging station was unveiled Thursday at the Meijer store in Warren, Michigan, and will be followed by stores in Allen Park and Holland, Michigan. Each store will receive two charging stations which can be used by Meijer customers at no cost.

“Whether we are providing our customers with re-usable bags, placing rooftop wind turbines on stores or offering charging stations for the electric vehicles, we are committed to searching for innovative ways to be green,” said Julie Croll, senior vice president of properties and real estate for the retailer.

The decision is another encouraging step for those that have been waiting to buy electric cars until the infrastructure to support them was put in place.

Although manufacturers anticipate that many people who drive electric cars will choose to install home charging stations to “re-fuel” the vehicle overnight, it’s important they be able to venture away from their neighborhood without the fear of running out of power.

Installing home charging stations is expected to cost approximately $2,000 before tax rebates.

With free public charging stations in place, electric vehicle owners will be able to go about their day in confidence, able to charge their cars while at the movie or shopping for household products.

In 2011, Meijer plans to expand this initiative by installing additional charging stations in 10-20 more stores throughout the Midwest.

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jane r.

12:44PM PST on Nov 15, 2010

Great idea!

send a green star

Jennifer A.

7:57AM PST on Nov 9, 2010

This is encouraging! Thanks!

Sue H.

10:20PM PST on Nov 8, 2010

Very good news, thanks for posting.

Chinmayee J.

3:30AM PST on Nov 8, 2010

How very interesting, and a good idea. Thanks for sharing :) However, instead of shops doing their own re-charging stations, shouldn't there just be stations along main roads just like we have petrol stations now? In the end, Meijer is still using up a lot of energy and resources to have these stations built in...it actually makes more sense to just have general ones on the roadside to me...but at least they're trying to do good :)

3:28AM PST on Nov 8, 2010

Barbara E.

9:09PM PST on Nov 7, 2010

Cool! This encouraging.

Geynell E.

8:56PM PST on Nov 7, 2010

YES!!! A definite step in the right direction. We need them everywhere. Let's literally DRIVE big oil out of business.

ana p.

8:19PM PST on Nov 7, 2010

THANKS!

Clifton J.

6:13PM PST on Nov 7, 2010

Well, somebody id Thinking!!

Mary Ann C.

6:04PM PST on Nov 7, 2010

Hooray for Michigan and Meijers !!! It's great to see that there are some companies that are reaching for the future. Thank you for the info Beth Buczynski.