Plug-In vehicle sales have risen steadily since 2010, with more than 52,800 plug-in sales in 2012. Sales doubled in January and February of this year compared to those in early 2012. So, as U.S. consumers realize both the economic and environmental benefits of plug-in vehicles, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming a hot item. And where they’re installed, EV drivers must go.

Steven’s Pass in Washington was the first mountain resort to install a public charging station in June 2011. The resort was contacted by the regional contract-holder implementing the federal Department of Energy’s “ChargePoint America” grant program in the greater Seattle metro region. Funded under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, this program had several focus areas nationwide, where charging infrastructure would be built out to support and encourage electric vehicle sales. The greater Seattle metro region was one of those pilot markets. The contractor suggested that Steven’s would be a great stepping stone in the expanding network, and invited the area to submit an application for a grant covering two charging machines worth about $12,000. Stevens Pass received the grant and paid for the installation work (fabrication and electrical), which was less than $5,000.

The two EV charging stations are standard models built by Coulumb Technologies and have proven to be extremely reliable, even under adverse weather conditions:?Two to three feet of snow in 24 hours, high humidity, zero-degree temperatures, days of continuous heavy rain, etc. The stations can be remotely diagnosed if issues arise. Software updates also occur remotely, when machines are not in use. Maintenance is limited to keeping the stations clear of snow; they do not require any special treatment and are not housed under any cover or awning.

The units operate on the resort’s normal power supply. Because they provide both 120v and 240v charging options, they require 240v electrical service for connection—something that’s common at any mountain resort.

The stations can support two cars at 240v and two other cars at the slower 120v feed. A car charging on 240v from empty takes four to six hours. The idea is that guests can park all day while skiing, riding or mountain biking, depending on the season, then leave fully charged.
The stations are also media-savvy. The system texts users when their session is complete, and EV owners can check the availability of the stations from any laptop or smartphone.

The charging stations have cost Stevens just $10 per year to operate, and are free for guests to use. They’re placed next to the resort’s main plaza stairs to ensure high visibility for all guests. Currently, the station sees about 125 users per year, in all months under all weather conditions. Both stations are generally in use all day every day on the weekend.

The EV trend is sure to grow. Crystal Mountain, Mich., Windham, N.Y. and Mt. Abram, Me., have joined the effort and have installed their own?charging stations. Resort guests understand the need to protect the environment to ensure a snowy future—and when they purchase plug-in vehicles, it’s a small investment for resorts to meet them halfway.

Steven’s Pass EV charging stations are free for guests.