The First Town in the First State Opens the First Municipal Tesla Chargers in Delaware
The Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW), in conjunction with the City of Lewes and Avatar Instruments, is hosting a celebration of electric vehicles (EV) with a ribbon cutting and an EV cruise through the streets of Lewes and to officially open their new EV charging stations on August 28, 2017. Lewes is proud to show their commitment to green technology by supporting electric vehicles and opening four municipal EV chargers. These include the first two municipal Tesla chargers in the state of Delaware, as well as two universal Clipper Creek chargers for all electric vehicles and hybrids. Paul Evalds, president of Lewes based Avatar Instruments, has partnered with the city by donating the charger hardware. Evalds’ and the Lewes BPW saw a need for EV charging stations in Lewes and decided to partner in bringing EV charging to Lewes. Lewes BPW has handled the installation of the equipment donated by Evalds. The charging costs will be initially covered by a donation from Mr. Evalds, as he is donating the DNREC rebates back to the city. There will be no charge to consumers for charging while the donation lasts. The City of Lewes has welcomed the facilities provided by the BPW and Mr. Evalds, as it is a great match for the eco-conscious town and will serve both residents and tourists.
Electric Vehicle manufacturing and sales are on the rise nationwide. Tesla Motors has been the forerunner in the field, but many major automakers have electric vehicles in the planning stages or on the road. According to the EESI, more than 150,000 EV were sold in the US in 2016 and almost 400,00 EV were sold since 2014:
http://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-plug-in-electric-vehicles-2017#4 Lewes BPW is proud to take the lead in this developing technology.
The grand opening will begin at the EV charging station on Schley Ave at 11:15 a.m. with an electric vehicle cruise to the charging station at Otis Smith Park on Savannah Rd. for the official ribbon cutting. EV owners and enthusiasts are invited to participate in the EV Cruise and ribbon cutting. Local and state officials will also be in attendance to cut the ribbon at Otis Smith Park.
Agenda for the day:
• 11:00 Meet at charger at Lewes BPW- 225 Schley Avenue, Lewes DE 19958
• 11:15 Electric Vehicle Cruise with Lewes Police Escort- Proceed to S. Washington, right on King's Highway, Right on Savannah Rd., Left on Second Street, Right on Market Street, Right on Front Street, Left on Savannah Rd. at traffic light, follow down Savannah through loop at public beach parking lot to turn around, and right into Otis Smith Park. Local EV drivers and EV clubs are invited to participate.
• 11:45 Assemble at Otis Smith Park, 454 E. Savannah Rd, Lewes DE 19958
• 12:00 Lewes BPW ribbon cutting to officially open the first municipal Tesla and EV chargers in DE with local and state dignitaries. Local and regional media will be on site.
