Drugstore chain helps build Orlando electric vehicle charging infrastructure with the addition of eight stations expected by the end of October.
Walgreens is set to unveil its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Orlando at its International Drive and Sand Lake Road location with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Eastern time, as City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer makes the inaugural charge.
The drugstore chain is working with Car Charging Group, an owner and provider of EV charging stations, to offer convenient and accessible charging sites at eight locations throughout the area by the end of October. The charging stations will feature two level 2 chargers that are compatible with every EV produced in North America.
Walgreens is helping to build Orlando’s EV charging infrastructure by becoming the area’s largest retail host of charging stations.
“These charging stations in neighborhoods and along major commuter routes will offer quick accessibility for EV drivers who may be worried about where to charge up next,” said Walgreens market vice president Marlin Hutchens. “We’re pleased to bring this clean and green energy alternative to Orlando. These charging stations will continue to set us apart as a retailer as more people choose greener lifestyles.”
“Walgreens initiative to install EV charging stations across Orlando and the U.S. is a major step forward for EV drivers and the EV charging station industry as a whole,” said Michael Farkas, CEO of Miami, Fla.-based Car Charging Group.
In July, Walgreens announced plans to offer EV charging stations at approximately 800 locations across the country by the end of the year. Major markets to host these sites include Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Select locations in Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington will also receive EV charging stations. Walgreens has installations under way across Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
In Orlando, Car Charging Group will install, manage and maintain EV charging stations on Walgreens properties. The company will provide flexible payment options, the ability to make reservations, and tracking of customer usage patterns, energy use, costs and revenues, all via the ChargePoint Network’s cloud-based software service plans for managing EV charging operations. Car Charging Group’s EV services installation will also provide Walgreens customers with access to ChargePoint Network’s 24/7 driver support and mobile phone applications, which include station location and real-time availability, turn-by-turn navigation and charging status.
Walgreens has a long-standing commitment to reducing energy usage and expanding its renewable energy initiatives. The company became the nation’s first drugstore chain to install a geothermal energy system at one of its stores in Oak Park, Ill., last November. The company’s Mira Mesa, Calif., location became the first drugstore to receive LEED gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Walgreens also plans to have more than 130 rooftop solar installations at stores and distribution centers by the end of the year. In addition, the company utilizes an energy management system that monitors electricity, water, heating and cooling and waste management at more than 3,000 stores to help reduce energy usage and maintenance costs while extending equipment life.