Visitors to Point Reyes National Seashore who drive electric vehicles (EV) can now get a literal charge out of their trip by using one of the new EV charging stations recently installed at the park. The chargers, which are operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, were placed in the park at no cost to the National Park Service.

The charging stations are located at the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot in the park, and are using solar electricity generated at the Visitor Center via photovoltaic cells. The Seashore now generates approximately 35% of the energy it uses from 18 photovoltaic solar arrays on various buildings throughout the Seashore. The Park also has 8 alternative fuel vehicles in its fleet, including 5 Toyota RAV4 all electric vehicles.

By "adopting" a charger, the Transportation Authority of Marin Measure B Fund, County of Marin Community Services Fund, the Craig Matthew Childers memorial fund, the Electric Auto Association, and the Golden Gate Electric Vehicle Association agreed to make a donation to the non-profit group "Adopt A Charger" to cover the cost of hardware, installation, maintenance, electrical usage and administration for three years. After that time period, the electrical usage will be paid by the Park’s non-profit partner, The Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

“The Seashore is committed to sustainability,” stated Cicely Muldoon, Superintendent of Point Reyes National Seashore. “Having the ability to utilize new technologies as they become operational and investing in our future by educating the next generation all contribute to our goal of energy conservation and efficiency.”

“The National Park Service has always stood for environmental stewardship, and I am grateful that Adopt a Charger can help them address climate change,” said Kitty Adams, Executive Director of Adopt A Charger.

“The existing EV chargers at Muir Woods and Crissy Field provide inspiration to visitors who want to reduce their carbon footprint, and provide resources to expand the park’s green fleet. I am especially grateful to be honoring my friend Craig Childers, who was very passionate about the environment and a huge advocate for plug-in cars.”

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30 pm on September 18th, 2014, at the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot to celebrate the public accessibility to the electric vehicle charging stations. The public is invited to attend, and you'll find directions to that location at this link.