Tucson, AZ- October 3rd, 2011- Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar announce the installation of two new electric vehicle charging stations in their shared solar covered parking lot.
The two Blink electric vehicle charging stations have been installed near the solar canopies at Brooklyn Pizza Company and Sky Bar on Fourth Ave. These charging stations added to a growing number around town which are being installed as an effort to create infrastructure for electric vehicles. This initiative is part of a $99 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) stimulus grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Pima Association of Governments Clean Cities program signed on to the initiative in March 2009. "We are so proud to be a part of Brooklyn Pizza Company's success of being the first commercial public charging station that is solar powered", stated Colleen Crowninshield of PAG's Energy Programs.
Although there are public charging stations installed under the DOE program at local places like Bookmans and Thoroughbred Nissan, these are the first electric vehicle charging stations in Arizona to connect solar power to electric vehicle charging. Electric vehicles offer independence from imported oil, as well as significantly lower transportation costs. Combined with renewable energy, they also offer an attractive alternative to fossil fuel based transportation.
The Level 2 (240 V) charging stations, which offer a full charge in just a few hours, were installed by Ecotality, in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Project, and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG). Ecotality won the DOE contract to install 200 level 2 stations in Arizona by January 2012. Sites were selected with the assistance of PAG.
According to Tony Vaccaro, owner of Brooklyn Pizza and Sky Bar, the charging station parking spots are open to any electric vehicles whose owners wish to park in the lot and charge their vehicles while on Fourth Avenue. Visitors can plug in while they shop or top off while they dine.
Robert Clingaman, of Tucson LEAF Owners, a local electric vehicle owners group, says his group plans to gather to recognize this company's dedication to solar power and to celebrate the installation of the two Blink charging stations in November.
About Brooklyn Pizza Company
Established in 1996 on Tucson's historic 4th Avenue, Brooklyn Pizza Company quickly became a local favorite. It provides top notch pizza in a happy, fun, and lively environment. Their goal is to make every dining experience an enjoyable one, with prompt service, high quality food, and fair prices. www.brooklynpizzacompany.com
About Technicians For Sustainability
Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk. They provide businesses, public institutions, and residential homeowners with high-quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into a practical reality. The company employs proven technologies to meet customer's specific needs, including solar electricity and solar hot water heating. TFS has installed over two megawatts of solar power in southern Arizona. For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com
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On the Web:
| www.pagnet.org |
| www.ecotality.com |
Contacts:
| Anthony Vaccaro | Kevin Koch |
| Brooklyn Pizza Company | Technicians for Sustainability |
| 520-622-6868 | 520-740-0736 |
| brooklyntony@gmail.com | info@tfssolar.com |