CONSOL Energy Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Station

The Energy 376 Corridor project is the largest segment of charging station networks in the United States. It is composed of 45 charging stations along Pennsylvania's Interstate 376 funded by the Alternate Fuels Innovation Grant (AFIG) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). 

The projects hopes installing charging stations along major roadways will encourage consumers to start embracing electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids. Energy companies, vehicle manufacturers and organizations with large fleets nationwide are collaborating in similar projects with the Department of Energy (DOE) and local and state governments.

CONSOL Energy made a "Declaration of Energy Independence" when this electric vehicle charging station at Southpointe Headquarters was inaugurated in support of the Energy 376 Corridor project, along with the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) and General Motors (News - Alert).

As one of the 45 stations along the 376 corridor, this Level II EV charging station is the first alternative fueling station in Southpointe.  CONSOL also purchased a Chevrolet Volt as part of its fleet to encourage employees and members of the community to start using these types of vehicles and increase awareness of green technologies. The Volt is the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the United States according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has a combined rating of 62 mpg for the 2013 model.

"Alternative fuel vehicles, including both electric and natural gas vehicles, showcase the innovative spirit and commitment that built this country and sustains our high standard of living. We believe the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities project will be a first step to encourage these emerging technologies on a much broader scale and anticipate as infrastructure improves, CONSOL Energy will continue to adapt alternative fuel vehicles across all of our operations," said Steve Winberg, vice president of research and development, CONSOL Energy. 

CONSOL Energy was founded in 1860 and has 12 bituminous coal mining complexes in four states with coal reserves of 4.2 billion tons along with proved natural gas reserves of 4.0 trillion cubic feet.

"Large fleets, such as CONSOL Energy's, tend to be early adopters of newer technology and provide an opportunity to test our vehicles' applicability and durability in their field use and gather valuable feedback. CONSOL Energy's installation of a Level 2 charging station and the piloting of a Volt as part of their fleet is a demonstration of their strong commitment to their sustainability efforts and a shared vision of the future of transportation," said Jeff Tomlin, Fleet Account Executive, GM Fleet & Commercial.


Edited by Ashley Caputo