AAA unveils first electric vehicle charging stations in Tampa Bay area

TAMPA - They call it "range anxiety" and it stops many people from buying an electric car.

A new study shows more than half of Florida residents are concerned about owning an electric vehicle because of the ability to charge the vehicle while away from home. So AAA is trying to change that.

On Thursday, the company unveils the first electric vehicle charging stations in the Tampa Bay area.

The EV charging are being put into place at the AAA Westshore office's front parking lot located at 1515 North Westshore Blvd in Tampa. EV drivers will be able to charge their vehicles for free between 6:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The level II charging stations with 240 volts will allow consumers to "top off" their vehicle's charge in 30 to 60 minutes. The two EV charging stations can charge up to four vehicles.

Tampa is one of six new cities selected to receive 100 electric vehicle (EV) Chargepoint® network charging stations to support the growing infrastructure of electric vehicles.

AAA's Palm Harbor office will install an EV charging station in mid-July.

The auto club says there are a number of advantages to owning an electric vehicle:

• It's energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of chemical energy from batteries to power the wheels.
• It's environmentally friendly. EVS emit no tailpipe pollutants.
• It has performance benefits as the electric motors provide quiet operation with stronger acceleration, requiring less maintenance.
• It reduces energy dependence. The electricity used is a domestic energy source.