Drivers of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have a new charging option in Birmingham’s Avondale business district, the Birmingham Parking Authority announced Wednesday.
The BPA held a ribbon-cutting for a Level 2 EV charging station at its Avondale Village parking lot. The charging station is through a partnership between the BPA and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. It is the first EV charging station for the BPA in any of its parking facilities, and the first charging station the coalition has helped fund in Birmingham.
“This is a wonderful addition to our facilities, and a wonderful service not only for our parking patrons but for anyone in Birmingham who has a need to charge their EV or plug-in,” said Andre Davis, executive director and CEO of the BPA. “We recognize that more and more people are driving electric vehicles due to their environmental and fuel-saving benefits, and these drivers need convenient places to charge. What better place to charge your vehicle than a parking facility?”
Davis said that the BPA is developing a Strategic Parking Plan to improve the parking experience in Birmingham, including adding charging stations.
“We are remaking the Birmingham Parking Authority,” he said. “We not only intend to make parking easier and more convenient, we also want to help businesses grow and attract more customers, and provide good services for residents of the city. We are thankful to the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and our other partners for making this project possible.”
The funding for the charging station was paid for in part by a grant from the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition through its involvement in Alabama Partners for Clean Air.
“Helping grow Alabama’s EV charging infrastructure is a critical part of what we do,” said Mark Bentley, director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “EVs are gaining in popularity here as they are in other parts of the country. More people are becoming comfortable buying electric vehicles and enjoying the many benefits they provide as more charging stations are built.
“We are delighted to partner with the Birmingham Parking Authority to bring EV chargers to such a popular and convenient location.”
The Avondale Village parking lot is at 109 41st St. South. It is adjacent to Avondale’s popular entertainment district and its restaurants, brewpubs, nightclubs, coffee houses and other businesses.
“We want to make Birmingham as accommodating as possible for residents, and for visitors and the EV public at large,” said Birmingham City Councilman Darrell O’Quinn. He is chairman of the council’s Transportation Committee and represents the Avondale area. “Think about it: You can go to a concert at Avondale Brewing just down the street or enjoy a meal at one of our great restaurants – while charging your EV.”
The station can charge up to four vehicles at the same time. Users pay for charging with a credit or debit card.
The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and Alabama Power also assisted with the project.
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