Public Electric Charging Stations to Begin Operating in Houston

HOUSTON -- This city is taking charge when it comes to electric vehicle charging stations. Houston became the first major U.S. city to announce it will have an electric vehicle charging network, reported Fuel Fix.

This week, Houston electric car owners will see the first public charging station open. Called the "Freedom Station," and operated by NRG Energy's eVgo subsidiary, it will be located at the H-E-B Buffalo market at the intersection of Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet Street.

The station allows for two cars to charge simultaneously. It will feature two different types of chargers. A 240-volt Level 2 charger can charge an electric vehicle at the rate of 25 miles of range per hour. Also being installed at the Freedom Station is the much more efficient 480-volt DC charger, which can provide a vehicle with 160 miles of driving range per hour of charge.

According to Fuel Fix, three additional Freedom Stations will open in the next two weeks. They will be located at the Shops at Houston Center and the 19710 Holzwarth St. and 8942 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. S. Walgreens locations.

A total of 25 Freedom Stations are expected to be operating by the end of 2011. An additional 25 are expected to be installed in 2012.

For much more about electric vehicles and charging stations, including an interview with David Knox, NRG's communication director, check out the Oct. 3 issue of Convenience Store News.

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