The City of Tallahassee recently installed electric-vehicle charging stations around the city.
The City Commission established a goal in February 2019 to utilize 100% renewable energy by the year 2050.
The city is looking for simpler ways for residents to charge their electric-powered vehicles and help save the environment.
Electric and hybrid car owners say their cars are more efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Michael Ohlsen, manager of clean energy and resource planning with the city’s utilities department, said it was a no-brainer to set up charging stations.
“As of today, there are 19 all-electric busses serving people from FSU, FAMU and TCC,” Ohlsen said. “That’s 19 of 63 buses in our entire fleet, which is nearly a third of all buses that are all electric. The city plans to bring one to two more within this year.”
“In addition to promoting public charging stations, we are continuing to transform our city from fossil fuel-driven to electric energy, as we continue to make good strides,” he added.
Deborah Newcomb, a Tallahassee resident and Tesla car owner, says there were multiple reasons why she purchased an electric vehicle. Newcomb says invested in Tesla about a year ago and was impressed by what she had read about the vehicle.
“When Hurricane Sally happened, my car was destroyed,” she said. “My insurance company gave me a check to replace my car and I thought this would be a good time to get that Tesla.”
She said that she had never even test driven one until the Tesla was dropped off at her house. She didn’t know what to expect, but it surpassed all her expectations.
“I love driving it, it’s really enjoyable to drive,” Newcomb said. “I had a Corvette before this, but this car is so much faster I am thoroughly interested in anything I can do to help save the planet or climate change.”
She says the Tesla has helped her financially, because she has not had to buy gas for her car.
City of Tallahassee officials say that since installing the vehicle charging stations, they are getting more use all the time. Although there are more than 40 electric vehicle chargers, you can find some located in the Fresh Market parking lot on Village Square Boulevard, Whole Foods parking lot on Thomasville Road, and at Tom Brown Park.