Electric vehicle charging stations are popping up from Times Square to Napa Valley, to extend the driving range of plug-in EV cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, already on the road, the and Ford Focus Electric and other models arriving in 2012. Here are some of the more interesting locations to plug in and charge up –
New York City – Edison Park Fast Lot – Charge in the middle of the Big Apple at this EV station in a garage a few blocks from Times Square.
San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf — This destination lets visitors recharge their cars while they enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, and sightseeing in the city by the bay’s popular tourist area.
Kissimmee, Florida — Give Kids the World Village –This nonprofit center gives children with life-threatening illnesses a memorable experience they will never forget. It also set up EV charging for visiting families and contributors.
Greenville, S. C. — Greenville Zoo – A charging station at this zoo lets visitors spend time with wild animals while their vehicle charges.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center – Enjoy a day of fun with nature and animals while your EV charges.
CenturyLink Field, Seattle and M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore – Charging stations at the home of the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens let NFL fans tailgate and cheer their team on while their electric vehicle charges.
Honolulu — Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – Schedule rest and relaxation at this beach resort as your electric vehicle charges outside.
.Los Angeles Convention Center – This is a convenient location for re-charging, for visitors attending a convention such as the annual Los Angeles Auto Show, or a Lakers game at the adjacent Staples Center.
Malibu Country Mart, Malibu, Calif.: A charge station at this unique shopping experience lets visitors look for celebrities or hit the stores while their vehicle charges.
NFL Stadiums: CenturyLink Field, Seattle and M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore: Charging stations at the home of the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens let fans tailgate and cheer their team on while their electric vehicle charges.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn. – This state-of-the-art solar-powered electric vehicle charging station offers an extremely energy efficient way to charge.
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Peaches Bed & Breakfast – Spend the night at this historic manor while your electric vehicle charges.
Chattanooga, Tenn. — Ruby Falls – Charge your vehicle while visiting the Americas highest underground waterfalls.
Santa Monica Plaza Shopping Center, Calif. – Beach lovers can head to this charging station for easy access to the Santa Monica Pier and its iconic Ferris wheel, plus shopping and restaurants.
Richmond, Va. — Science Museum of Richmond and Children’s Museum of Richmond, Va. – an EV charging station is between the two museums
Leavenworth, Wash. — Stevens Pass Mountain Resort – one of the first ski resorts to install a charging station, so you can hit the slopes and recharge at the same time.
Shopping centers such as Mall of America in Bloomington, Ill., have added EV charging units, and Walgreens has announced it will install 800 EV chargers in its shopping centers by the end of 2012.