Carmel to Spotlight Electric Vehicles
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCarmel will join communities around the world this weekend in promoting electric vehicles. The city will hold a National Plug In Day event at Clay Terrace mall, where Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) has installed a charging system.
September 18, 2013
News Release
CARMEL, Ind. – Electric vehicle drivers, enthusiasts, and intrigued local residents are invited to attend National Plug In Day on Sunday, September 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clay Terrace mall.
The Carmel community will join 80 cities nationwide and across the globe to participate in the third annual event that celebrates and increases awareness of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).
The event will feature Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard for an electric vehicle (EV) tailgate in the parking lot behind Whole Foods Market. Mayor Brainard's remarks will begin at 11:30 a.m. and he will be joined by representatives from the Sierra Club, Duke Energy, Energy Systems Network, Tom Wood Automotive Group, Carmel Green Initiative and the Hoosier EVA, a local affiliate chapter of Electric Auto Association, to talk about the importance of PEVs and solar technology.
“Carmel is pleased to be participating in this event to highlight the important role that electric vehicles can play in reducing our emissions and conserving our resources. We are especially excited that these electric vehicle charging stations use solar power; a clean, renewable energy source,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.
Earlier this year, Duke Energy designed and installed a renewable energy plug-in ecosystem at Clay Terrace – a first-of-its-kind solar-powered system that combines traditional 240V and quick-charge charging stations with batteries that store the solar power for evenings and cloudy days.
“Energy Systems Network has been working hard through our Project Plug IN initiative to make central Indiana a leader in the deployment of plug-in vehicles and infrastructure,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO of Energy Systems Network. “Today is a day to celebrate those achievements, including the Clay Terrace plug-in ecosystem, and look forward to continued growth in this industry.”
Several of the latest EV models – including a Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Chevrolet Volt, Nissan LEAF, battery-powered Ford Focus, and Think City electric vehicle will be on display and plug-in vehicle owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles and park at the tailgate. Participants can explore the EVs available on the market, and learn how the Clay Terrace charging station uses solar power to help recharge EVs. Representatives from Tom Wood Automotive and Duke Energy will be on-site to assist and answer questions.
“Electric vehicles can free Hoosiers from the gas pump and clean the air of unhealthy fumes,” said Jodi Perras, Indiana campaign representative for the Sierra Club. “Clay Terrace's solar-powered charging station with battery storage also ensures that the electricity used to charge EVs is carbon-free, which represents Sierra Club’s vision of Indiana’s energy future – local, renewable, and non-polluting.”
Retailers from Clay Terrace and other organizations will have booths with information and giveaways, and Paradise Bakery and Tom Wood Automotive will provide refreshments.
National Plug In Day is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. They are fun to drive, are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
All interested in attending the event can register at http://pluginday.org/event.php?eventid=73 but registration is not necessary to attend. For more information on National Plug In Day, visit www.pluginday.org.
About Plug In America
Plug In America is leading the nation’s plug-in vehicle movement. The nonprofit organization works to accelerate the shift to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum and improve the global environment. We drive electric. You can, too. www.pluginamerica.org.
About the Sierra Cub
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.1 million members and supporters nationwide, including 7,500 in Indiana. The Sierra Club’s Beyond Oil campaign advocates for a switch to Electric Vehicles as one important way to reduce emissions and cut our addiction to oil. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/electric-vehicles.
About the Electric Auto Association
The Electric Auto Association, formed in 1967, is a nonprofit educational organization with 75 chapters worldwide that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles. www.electricauto.org.
About Clay Terrace
Located off U.S. 31 in Carmel, Ind., Clay Terrace was the first outdoor lifestyle center in Simon Property Group’s portfolio. Over 70 retailers line the center's broad sidewalks accentuated by the vintage storefronts and antique lighting, creating a warm, community atmosphere. Clay Terrace has an extensive mix of premium retail and lifestyle tenants including The Yoga Center, Nature’s Karma, Whole Foods, David & Mary Day Spa, unique boutiques and award wining restaurants. Clay Terrace is anchored by DSW and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
About Lauth
Since 1977, Lauth has been building facilities for clients to lease or own throughout the United States. Lauth’s years of solid experience, coupled with completed projects worth billions, make it a leading national development and construction firm. Lauth delivers virtually any kind of facility including healthcare, industrial, office, or retail nationwide. Additional Lauth information is available at http://www.lauth.net.
People. Trust. Experience.
About Energy Systems Network
Energy Systems Network (ESN) is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. It is a non-profit, industry-driven economic organization focused on bringing alternative energy technology solutions to market. ESN’s mission is to build an energy ecosystem that connects partner companies and institutions with industry – in Indiana, across the country, and around the world – to address energy needs and generate new jobs and investment in the process. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com or follow us on Twitter @EnergySystemsNk.
About Carmel Green Initiative
Carmel Green Initiative is a nonprofit environmental education organization dedicated to building a more sustainable community through partnerships and collaboration with the City of Carmel, local schools, congregations, businesses, community groups and homeowners. www.carmelgreen.org
About Tom Wood Automotive Group
Tom Wood Automotive has been a fixture in Indianapolis since 1967. Still a family owned business, it has grown to 15 franchises with dealerships in three states: Indianapolis and Anderson in Indiana; Richfield and Bloomington in Minnesota; and Lexington, Kentucky. Their current franchises include: Toyota/Scion, Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover, Porche, Audi, Ford, Lexus, Mitsubishi, and Honda. The Tom Wood family of companies also includes the Tom Wood Collision Center, Tom Wood Rental, Quality Leasing, Premier Acceptance and Tom Wood Aviation.
Tom Wood Automotive has become a leader in the promotion of alternative fuel vehicles and offers fully electric, hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles. The company strives to serve its customers and community with “Honor, Integrity and Loyalty” as it has since 1967.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide approximately 6,900 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 790,000 customers, making it