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Workplaces offer electric car charging

Eagle-Tribune -- Employees at General Motors’ plant in White Marsh, Md., have an unusual workplace benefit: Anyone who drives an electric car can plug it in to charge while they work.

At the plant, which produces transmissions and electric motors, workers can park their electric vehicles — or EVs — in any of eight spaces under two solar-powered canopies in the employee lot.

“You encourage the use of EVs and give employees some benefit,” said William Tiger, plant manager for General Motors Baltimore Operations.

It’s not surprising that an automaker that makes plug-in electric vehicles is emerging as a leader in working to expand charging stations for consumers, starting with its own workers at company facilities in Maryland and elsewhere. But now other large employers are joining efforts to boost workpla

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Submitted Feb 25, 2013 By: NHLiveFree

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csnvcas All-Star Author Illinois Posts:692 Points:165,965 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 26, 2013 5:53:43 AM Ignore csnvcas Report Abuse Ok
PDQBlues Champion Author San Diego Posts:7,064 Points:1,446,375 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 3:12:36 PM Ignore PDQBlues Report Abuse What a great incentive for employees and great PR for the companies. A win-win all around.
SVmike Champion Author California Posts:1,569 Points:319,195 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 2:47:01 PM Ignore SVmike Report Abuse Jamer: With only 8 spaces to recharge it doesn't seem like too much demand or the plant doesn't care about their employees much. At my work we have 3 chargers. 2-4 cars can park at each one at a time. One charger can handle about 4-5 cars per day for a ~2 hr charge.
doctorindyj Champion Author Santa Fe Posts:3,443 Points:837,860 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 2:03:00 PM Ignore doctorindyj Report Abuse Thank you, now give me a raise so I can afford an EV.
schvanda63 Champion Author Lansing Posts:1,309 Points:262,875 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 12:43:25 PM Ignore schvanda63 Report Abuse BoatP2Lee wrote "But the workers can't afford the $40,000 golf carts.... " Wrong! They work at GM for the UAW, they probably could afford a couple of Volts apiece. I agree with Lukus. To be fair, it would be nice for someone to go through the parking lot topping off everyone elses gas tanks.
fencemanNY Veteran Author New York Posts:409 Points:355,585 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 11:18:06 AM Ignore fencemanNY Report Abuse It's a start. But we need better storage for EV to take off.
FogCitySpotter Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,478 Points:520,225 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 10:05:55 AM Ignore FogCitySpotter Report Abuse Ok
Costello Champion Author South Dakota Posts:1,401 Points:1,152,490 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 9:57:16 AM Ignore Costello Report Abuse Be nice to see here!
w4kh Champion Author Tennessee Posts:11,660 Points:2,227,040 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 9:11:44 AM Ignore w4kh Report Abuse Cool program - not only a charging station, but solar powered, AND the car gets to sit in the shade under the solar panels, which saves on cooling use for the trip home...
W4YAH Champion Author Florida Posts:1,138 Points:230,870 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 9:01:35 AM Ignore W4YAH Report Abuse Super!
marcelpr All-Star Author New Orleans Posts:628 Points:373,590 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:58:13 AM Ignore marcelpr Report Abuse "Verizon, which joined the challenge, sees workplace charging as an additional step the company can take toward energy efficiency, said John Columbus, a spokesman. The company already uses alternative-fuel vehicles, including electric-powered vans, in its service fleet, he said. The company plans to evaluate which facilities have the greatest number of workers driving electric vehicles and install charging stations where they would get the most use." Wish I could keep my cellphone charged...
gasmeup52 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,315 Points:680,755 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:54:24 AM Ignore gasmeup52 Report Abuse Don't care. I'll stick with gas.
mreiff Champion Author Louisville Posts:5,340 Points:1,301,740 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:52:02 AM Ignore mreiff Report Abuse billy44bo raises and interesting question; what about shock safety in the rain or snow?
daquanabe Champion Author Houston Posts:1,813 Points:372,925 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:51:56 AM Ignore daquanabe Report Abuse sounds good
rockymountman Champion Author Roanoke Posts:1,954 Points:400,685 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:51:32 AM Ignore rockymountman Report Abuse whatever
billy44bo Champion Author Mobile Posts:7,198 Points:1,488,940 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:50:17 AM Ignore billy44bo Report Abuse Must work well in the snow. NOT
Jamer Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:8,749 Points:1,634,310 Joined:Jul 2002	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:49:54 AM Ignore Jamer Report Abuse With only 8 spaces to recharge it doesn't seem like too much demand or the plant doesn't care about their employees much. [Edited by: Jamer at 2/25/2013 8:50:18 AM EST]
jony Champion Author Florida Posts:7,316 Points:1,631,365 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:49:38 AM Ignore jony Report Abuse somebody will pay for that electric
Lukus Champion Author Halifax Posts:8,273 Points:1,672,580 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:48:59 AM Ignore Lukus Report Abuse I wonder how much money they are being charged for the charge up. GM doesn't provide free gas to the other empmloyees do they?
Gassed01 Champion Author Toronto Posts:6,344 Points:1,800,840 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:48:51 AM Ignore Gassed01 Report Abuse Does it have to be a Volt? Line workers make good money, but not enough to by a Volt. What if they drive a Prius or Leaf? Can they still plug it in?
ou812again Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,309 Points:668,185 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:48:26 AM Ignore ou812again Report Abuse idiot's
sparkie951 Champion Author Roanoke Posts:4,165 Points:849,785 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:47:56 AM Ignore sparkie951 Report Abuse Welcome to Dumb and Dumber.... If that is the case, I want my company to buy me gas because that is preferential treatment.
car253 Champion Author Ohio Posts:6,288 Points:1,467,645 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:47:55 AM Ignore car253 Report Abuse Good move.
infinititom All-Star Author Dallas Posts:984 Points:515,430 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:46:07 AM Ignore infinititom Report Abuse Still happy to buy my own gas.
dm9667_23 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,208 Points:350,945 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:46:00 AM Ignore dm9667_23 Report Abuse good
Grinch09 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,598 Points:77,975 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:46:00 AM Ignore Grinch09 Report Abuse we'll see a fight break out on the evening news soon!
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:10,007 Points:1,485,030 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:45:04 AM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse Wonder how many workers at that plant, with eight chargers.
BoatP2Lee All-Star Author South Carolina Posts:846 Points:370,390 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:45:02 AM Ignore BoatP2Lee Report Abuse But the workers can't afford the $40,000 golf carts....
dongo50 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:14,678 Points:2,378,095 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:44:46 AM Ignore dongo50 Report Abuse i'm sure they have more than 8 employees driving an ev.
INBwana Champion Author Indiana Posts:5,444 Points:694,035 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:44:45 AM Ignore INBwana Report Abuse I still think EVs are not practical for the average car owner yet.
misuds Veteran Author New Haven Posts:417 Points:509,185 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:44:04 AM Ignore misuds Report Abuse More freebies for the greenies. Whining jerks
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,381 Points:1,874,155 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:43:31 AM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse That is fine if you are one of eight that get to use it.
SmokeFan14 Champion Author St. Louis Posts:2,118 Points:1,085,840 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:43:26 AM Ignore SmokeFan14 Report Abuse Good for them
oilrobber Champion Author Miami Posts:9,629 Points:1,929,160 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:42:45 AM Ignore oilrobber Report Abuse WOW....eight chargers!
Gman2011MI Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,993 Points:415,745 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:42:33 AM Ignore Gman2011MI Report Abuse we don't have a charging station here at my work so it doesn't do me any good buying one of these cars and two I don't trust the cars yet I drive 72 mile round trip to work I don't feel comfortable driving one of these and run out of battey power ...
Felixx Sophomore Author Seattle Posts:157 Points:1,022,490 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:42:20 AM Ignore Felixx Report Abuse I like that!
PENNYPINCHR Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:5,344 Points:2,278,795 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:41:54 AM Ignore PENNYPINCHR Report Abuse Not my employer................
bar1035 Champion Author Charlotte Posts:9,142 Points:1,296,270 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:39:31 AM Ignore bar1035 Report Abuse Until there are more than 8 that need charging
BJ1947 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:1,272 Points:478,900 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:39:21 AM Ignore BJ1947 Report Abuse Thats so their employees can make it home after work!
58salty Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:6,599 Points:627,940 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:36:49 AM Ignore 58salty Report Abuse This is what it's going to take & more for sales of these cars to go up. brurceha200 posted some good information, thanks.
tidalwave3 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:1,297 Points:1,461,760 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:23:40 AM Ignore tidalwave3 Report Abuse Rewards
PTBpricer Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,477 Points:203,495 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:18:25 AM Ignore PTBpricer Report Abuse Interesting post, bruceha2000
silverfox63 Champion Author Michigan Posts:8,110 Points:1,609,765 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:12:40 AM Ignore silverfox63 Report Abuse Big deal.
bruceha2000 Champion Author Vermont Posts:2,864 Points:1,283,505 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:11:48 AM Ignore bruceha2000 Report Abuse "Hybrid electric cars can usually go about 40 miles fully charged" Um, quite the blanket statement: "can usually go 40 miles". And incorrect. It should be "can go 15 to 40 miles depending on the model". 40 is the high end, on the Volt (actually 38 for the 2013). 15 is the low end, on the Prius (again 2013). The tradeoff is the Prius gets substantially better MPG on gasoline than does the Volt. It also uses fewer watts to go a mile on electric. Charge up your Volt and go farther than the Volts electric range - think 33 to 35 MPG. Charge up the Prius and go on a long trip, figure 50+ MPG. That 15-17 MPG adds up to 4 cents more per mile in the Volt at $3.85/gallon. Trips Between (energy use per mile): 0 and 16 miles, the Prius uses less. 0 and 75, the Volt uses less. 0 and 76+, the Prius uses less. Longer trip "Dollar cost per mile", the Prius wins starting at 55 miles with gas at $3.60/gallon. The higher the price of gas, the shorter the distance needed for the total fuel cost of the Prius to be lower than that of the Volt. And the range of the Volt is ~250 miles on the gas tank, so max ~290 if you start charged. At 290 miles, the Prius still has 200 miles "in the tank". Buy gas where it is cheapest, not when the car decides you need to stop.
Tnerbeel Champion Author Houston Posts:8,814 Points:1,746,885 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 8:00:35 AM Ignore Tnerbeel Report Abuse "Anyone who drives an electric car can plug it in to charge while they work." And they'll have to just to get home. Maybe they should give them all Volts since they can't sell them.
slgas Champion Author Houston Posts:6,020 Points:1,560,590 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 7:54:59 AM Ignore slgas Report Abuse The infrastructure needed to support charging a nation's entire EV fleet boggles my mind.
biza4u Champion Author New Haven Posts:8,513 Points:1,625,950 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 7:54:20 AM Ignore biza4u Report Abuse If they want their employees to make it home someone has too
atdinut Champion Author California Posts:1,608 Points:353,985 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 7:53:43 AM Ignore atdinut Report Abuse I remember way back when............... the EV1 and other e's hit the streets in calif., all sorts of charging stations popped up!Specially at Costco's......
sljbc475 Champion Author Tucson Posts:4,210 Points:870,425 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 7:50:59 AM Ignore sljbc475 Report Abuse Put a time limit at the charging stations.
BobbyVA Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:5,492 Points:1,173,600 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Feb 25, 2013 7:50:37 AM Ignore BobbyVA Report Abuse Guess its the only way Govt Motors GMC can sell Volts, give the workers free charging stations which amounts to free gas. So mostly Govt Agencies and GM employees are the ones buying Volts all at taxpayer expense.