New Network Offers Electric Car Drivers Free Charging

Electric charging station. Courtesy of Better Place.

By Sonia Isotov

Better Place, a global provider of electric car networks, today announced that it is activating the largest electric car charging network in Hawaii, offering drivers free charging via more than 130 charge points through the end of 2012.

The network allows drivers to charge their electric cars at convenient locations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island that include hotels, resorts, office buildings, shopping centers, parking garages, businesses and public venues.

On Maui, electric car drivers can hook up at the following Better Place locations:

• Four Seasons Resort in Wailea
• Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali
• Kahana Gateway Shopping Center in Kahana
• Alamo Rent-A-Car at the Kahului Airport
• Kihei Town Center in Kihei.
• Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali

Better Place will also host “Drive Electric Maui” to increase awareness of electric cars and the Better Place charging network. Current electric car owners and those interested in learning more about electric cars can join Better Place and its partners for a charging demonstration on March 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Kihei Town Center (Foodland Kihei).

Electric charging station. Courtesy of Better Place.

“As more Hawaii drivers experience the benefits of electric cars, it is important to have the network that gives people convenient access to charge their cars,” said Brian Goldstein, director of Better Place in Hawaii, in a written statement.

To use the network, drivers can sign up for a free membership and see an interactive map of Charge Spot locations at www.betterplace.com/hawaii. New members will receive a welcome kit with a membership card, giving them access to all Better Place Charge Spots across the state, and a guide to using the network. Membership includes free network access for 2012.

Beginning January 1, 2013, drivers will have the option to sign up for an affordable Better Place membership plan.

Over the past year and a half, Better Place has been working with businesses and property owners to install charging infrastructure across the state, as well as completing a project that included Chevy Volts, with funding in part from the State Energy Office at the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) and the US Department of Energy.