…and the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are HERE!!
The migration to hybrid (gas & plug-in electric) or all electric vehicles is accelerating. The pace of adoption is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. This type of vehicle is a wonderful fit with many Rossmoorians that only travel a limited distance at any one time. Unfortunately, most Rossmoor Mutuals are ill equipped to supply the level of power needed to allow residents to charge electric vehicles in their personal garages or carports. All is not lost though.
Through the diligence of Sustainable Rossmoor’s electric vehicle committee members, especially Dave Vereeke and Fred Kern, Rossmoor was able to take advantage of a rare opportunity to participate in a PG&E pilot program that is rolling out this year.
The program, mandated by the CPUC, will result in the installation of 7,500 charging heads throughout California. The beauty of this pilot program is that PG&E will be responsible for the design, permits, construction and ownership of the charging stations. At the January 2018 GRF Board meeting the Board authorized the go-ahead for three banks of 10 charging heads at Gateway, Dollar and the Fitness Center at Tice Creek parking areas. PG&E will install and maintain the charging stations for a period of 10 years. Rossmoor will purchase the charging heads, at a total cost of approximately $45,000, however all maintenance will be the responsibility of PG&E.
By installing charging stations within Rossmoor, the community will move to the forefront of many senior communities and be viewed as one of the most progressive communities around.
The charging stations will be what is called “Level 2” charging. This means that the charging will be at 240 Volts and the recharge rate is between 13 and 25 miles per hour of charge.
Construction WAS completed in JULY 2018.
Mutual 8 made a separate application for a bank of 10 and also had their application approved.
Choosing between a hybrid, plug-in or battery powered vehicle can be very confusing.
For guidelines to help you find the type of vehicle that’s right for you. see here
Autonomous Buses and Cars are Coming! Are we ready?
David Vereeke presented a short summary and highlights of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Redefining Mobility Summit he attended at Bishop Ranch in late March 2018. He spoke to the Sustainable Rossmoor membership at the April 3rd general meeting. Highlights include:
- The world of mobility is evolving very rapidly with Autonomous Vehicle “Level 4 Service” expected to be reached by year end. Level 4 vehicles are designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions for an entire trip.
- On Demand car systems such as Amber offer a different rate structure than Uber or Lyft. Amber charges by the mile driven, not the time spent.
Grants may be available for Easy Rider and Amber subsidies. Watch the full talk below: