Grand Island Embraces Electric Vehicle Revolution with New Charging Stations
In a move to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure, Grand Island has introduced four new charging stations at 1738 Grand Island Blvd. This location, managed by Larry and Michael Playfair, is strategically positioned near the bridges connecting Grand Island to Tonawanda.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce marked the inauguration of these fast-charging stations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 5. The initiative was driven by the need for more accessible charging facilities in Western New York.
Mike Prinzi, president of Pure Performance Renewable Energy Solutions (PPR Energy Solutions), shared insights into the project, stating, “Basically, what we were doing was looking at different sites throughout Western New York that needed chargers.” He and his business partner, Mike Smith, identified a gap in public DC fast charging options and embarked on this development.
Initially skeptical, Larry Playfair warmed to the idea after discussions with Prinzi and Smith. The project, benefiting from incentives including one from National Grid, took a year to develop and a month to construct, going live in mid-June. Utilization rates have surpassed expectations.
According to Mike Gilbert of PPR Energy Solutions, “In the first 45 days the DC fast charging electric vehicle locations have been in operation, they have been averaging 48 unique customers per day Mondays through Thursdays, and 65 unique customers per day Fridays to Sundays.”
Prinzi emphasized the strategic significance of the location, noting, “This partnership reflects our commitment to building practical, high-quality charging infrastructure where drivers need it most. Grand Island is an important connection point in Western New York, and adding four DC fast chargers along the I-190 will make EV travel easier for the community and for visitors passing through the region.”
Larry Playfair found the timing fortuitous, having considered EV initiatives based on feedback from plaza tenants. “I’d actually been looking into doing something with EV because we’ve got some people in the plaza who had mentioned it to me. It just makes sense,” he remarked.
National Grid’s Whitney Skeans highlighted the inclusive nature of the charging stations, noting that they accommodate both Tesla and non-Tesla vehicles. “This is a really exciting project because, although it’s a Tesla super charger, it’s also open to non-Tesla vehicles,” she explained.
Gilbert expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, “It’s good to see this project come together. The chargers are being used a lot, as you can see here today. People have been coming in and out of here all day long. It’s great to see, and it’s another alternative. We’re happy to bring it here to Grand Island.”
Skeans further emphasized National Grid’s commitment to clean transportation, mentioning the pause in the “Make Ready” program pending additional state approvals. “We are trailblazing here and really excited to be here today to celebrate this installation that’s getting so much value for the community, for our tourism industry, and for our customers,” she said.
Playfair concluded with enthusiasm about the project’s impact, stating, “It’s clean. The customers are generally in and out. It’s more business for the tenants in the plaza. So, it’s a win-win.”
Original Story at www.wnypapers.com