Where to Find Free Electric Car Charging Stations in Washington, D.C. Area

With the mass market introduction of electric cars, more and more drivers in the Washington, D.C. area will need to know where to find free electric car charging stations around the Capital region.

Electric cars are a hot topic around Washington, D.C. In his 2011 State of the Union address, President Obama called for increased investment in electric car technology. Chevrolet chose Washington as one of the initial markets for sales of its new Chevy Volt. Now, dealers in the Washington area are starting to sell the new Ford Focus and the Nissan Leaf.

As these electric cars roll off the lot, drivers will need to know where to find free electric car charging stations in the area.

District

The area's first free electric car charging station was unveiled in November 2010 at the Franklin D. Reeves Center on 14th Street, in northwest Washington, D.C. The curbside charging station, with its two parking spaces, was the first installation in a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Washington is one of nine cities that will share $15 million in funding for free electric car charging stations.

"We are excited to make this technology available and easily accessible to everybody," says Washington, D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty of the electric car charging station program. "This is yet another fantastic way the District is at the forefront of providing alternative and environmentally friendly transportation options for District residents and visitors."

Another innovative program is underway at 425 Massachusetts Avenue NW, with the first apartment complex in the nation to install free electric car charging stations for its residents. The building's owner, Equity Properties, says the charging stations are part of an overall Green Works program that includes the use of energy-efficient materials and policies in construction and maintenance.

"We are proud to be the first in DC to provide this modern, environmentally friendly amenity to our residential community," says Robert Grealy, Area Vice President for Equity Residential. "With the advent of the new generation of electric cars, it is increasingly important to provide a charging infrastructure for apartment residents who share a common garage."

Dulles

In the high tech Dulles corridor, free electric car charging stations are available at the Center for Innovative Technology in Herndon. The center is a quasi-governmental organization charged with coordinating Virginia's planning and execution of innovative business strategies and creating new technology opportunities in conjunction with Virginia's universities. The electric car charging stations are located at CIT's distinctive headquarters near the entrance to Dulles Airport.

BWI

In the other geographic direction, but still within the Washington, D.C. area, free electric car charging stations have been installed at the Element Hotel Arundel Mills, located in Hanover, Maryland not far from Baltimore-Washington International airport.

The hotel offers electric car charging stations for its guests, with access for the general public as well. It is part of the overall "green" initiative that is a key factor in the Element hotel chain's branding message. The company's hotels utilize eco-friendly materials, and adhere to stringent policies on reduced use of resources and widespread recycling.

"By offering a charging station for electric vehicles, we are deepening our commitment to greener travel as a key part of an environmentally responsible lifestyle," says Brian McGuinness, senior vice president for specialty-select brands for Element's parent company. "We are proud to be playing a part in the development of the infrastructure needed to support the anticipated increase in electric vehicles over the next several years."