Electric Vehicle Charging Campaign to Promote ‘EV Tourism’

March 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Known as Houston’s “Backyard” or “Playground”, Galveston Island is the destination of choice for Houstonians. Entrepreneurs Damien Patrick and Justin Owens, both island residents, know this to be true…and see the opportunity the fast growing EV market in Houston can bring to Galveston.

The Houston electric vehicle market is in its early stage, but already showing the world its commitment to the arrival of electric vehicles. With over twenty charging stations already installed, a private sector push by energy giant, NRG, and being named an official launch city for several EVs by major auto manufacturers, Houston is a leader in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure.

EV Park N Plug, LLC is the business behind the island campaign. Set out to capture some of Galveston’s most visited places, EV Park N Plug will provide these establishments with their own electric vehicle charging stations. EV Park N Plug’s goal is to be sure that there will always be a place to charge if you visit the island with your electric vehicle.

These various hotels, restaurants and theme attractions will all be listed on the EV Park N Plug Island Road Map, to be distributed across the City of Houston to purchasers of electric vehicles. The EV Park N Plug charger, Coulomb Technologies’ ChargePoint™, are the first networked charging stations worldwide allowing for the opportunity to locate available chargers online or via the ChargePoint™ app, available for free download on your smart phone. “If you own an electric vehicle in the Houston area, we want you to bring it to Galveston without the worry of where you will recharge,” said Justin Owens, co-founder of EV Park N Plug. “With Galveston Island only fifty or so miles from Houston, this puts Galveston in the position to become one of the nation’s leading destinations for electric vehicle owners. We don’t believe electric vehicles are meant for close range driving, and we are trying to prove that trips can be taken outside of your normal driving routine. This is the ‘EV Tourism’ concept.”

Range anxiety is the term that describes a driver’s fear of their vehicle having insufficient range and the potential of being stranded. “Range anxiety will not exist along the I-45 corridor, from Houston to Galveston. EV Park N Plug will be sure that before you leave the island, you will have a good charge,” said Owens.

The first charging station that is part of the EV Park N Plug network is located at the Galveston Historical Foundation headquarters, the 1861 Custom House. Installed last year by several participating groups including Owens’ installation company, the GHF charging station is available for free charging in their parking lot at 502 20th Street in Galveston.

John Smecca, principal at Galveston Restaurant Group and Chairman of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, sees the EV Park N Plug network as a great opportunity for Galveston Island. “This is great for Galveston” says Smecca. “It’s a way to attract a growing group of diverse individuals, giving them a new experience and a new way to see the island.  ‘EV Tourism’ is a good concept, and I look forward to being a part of the network.”

EV Park N Plug is offering select Galveston Island business sponsors a free installation up to $1,200. Their strategy allows for the business owners’ adoption of EV charging infrastructure while not having to pay upfront for the chargers and installation, which can be upwards of $10,000. EV Park N Plug will service and maintain the chargers as well, keeping them in superior working shape. Their strategy also leaves the consumer out of it, allowing them to spend their money at the island businesses and not worry about charge fees or monthly subscriptions. Damien Patrick, also co-founder of EV Park N Plug, sees this as one of the most important aspects of the EV Park N Plug network. “The average consumer is inundated with monthly bills and fees. We want to take the burden away from the consumer. We want them to visit our island and charge for free. In this economy, we want to offer charging options to stimulate consumer spending at our local businesses while providing state-of-the art charging services,” says Patrick.

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EV Park N Plug, LLC was formed in 2010 between island business owners Damien Patrick and Justin Owens. Mr. Patrick brings his knowledge of financing and marketing to help create the EV Park N Plug business model, while Mr. Owens brings his knowledge of the electric vehicle industry and past experience installing EV charging stations through his other company, Gulf Coast Renewable Resources. EV Park N Plug is currently accepting business sponsors to become part of the EV Park N Plug network.