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PrintOpportunity Knocks for Electric Vehicle Use
Okay, it’s time. No more waiting for the economy, the technology or the stars to align themselves to signify that electric cars are ready to go mainstream. For proof, just look at what one municipal government is doing to stimulate the movement.
The Village of Oak Park has initiated a number of programs designed to promote electric vehicle usage there. Initiatives approved by the Village Board involve a two-pronged approach. The first is a discount for electric vehicle registration, and the second awards free parking for all-electric vehicles in metered locations for the first two hours. This program sunsets on December 31, 2012.
Oak Park has taken another step forward by procuring their first all-electric vehicle, produced by local company EcoLogical Products Company, Inc., for police department use. In addition, Oak Park will be home to the area’s first solar powered electric vehicle charging station which is expected to be installed this summer. The charging station is part of a regional grant for EV charging for the car sharing program, I-Go Cars. This kind of forward thinking puts the Village of Oak Park in the forefront of sustainable transportation in the Chicagoland area.
For more information about these initiatives and how to get started in your community, contact Oak Park’s Sustainability Manager KC Poulos at Sustainablity@Oak-Park.us.
Glenn G. Hunter, of EcoLogical Products Company, Inc., 739 N. Elmwood Ave., Oak Park, can be reached at 708-445-0341. For more information visit EcoPro.biz and ElectricTransportationExperts.com.
