Township becomes site for first Tesla charging station in the state
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — Enthusiasts for Tesla Motors, a California-based maker of electric cars, gathered with company representatives and legislators for a ribbon cutting ceremony for a “supercharger” station in the Hamilton Marketplace on Route 130 on April 24.
The charging station, the first of its kind in the Garden State, allows motorists to charge their vehicles 24 hours a day.
Jim Chen, vice president of regulatory affairs and associate general counsel at Tesla Motors, Inc., said the opening of the charging station in Hamilton was a step toward fulfilling the company’s mission.
”It’s all about getting the United States onto domestically-produced energy,” Mr. Chen said. “At the end of the day it’s about getting us off our addiction to oil, especially foreign oil.
”By the end of next year, 98 percent of Americans will be 100 miles or less from a supercharger,” he added, noting there are a hundred such charging stations worldwide.
Assemblymen Dan Benson (D-Mercer) and Tim Eustace (D-Bergen), who ultimately cut a red ribbon tied across hoods of Tesla vehicles, both spoke in support of the electric carmaker.
Assemblyman Eustace said he came in support of electric car maker and its enthusiasts.
”I’m here because I support the idea that Tesla should be able to sell cars in New Jersey,” Assemblyman Eustace said, noting he owns a Nissan Leaf. “Assemblyman Benson behind me and Majority Leader Lou Greenwald agrees that we’re going to make it an agreement that make things work for New Jersey and Tesla.
”I plug in my driveway every week and drive by every gas station I can,” he added. “We want to make that possible for everyone in New Jersey.”
Like Mr. Chen, Assemblyman Benson said companies like Tesla can help the country reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil.
”You’re also creating jobs,” he said. “We need to continue with new technologies like this where were shipping cars overseas instead of jobs overseas.
”This is my hometown and an area that I represent so I am so proud that we are home to this wonderful supercharger for Tesla,” he added.
After the ceremony, which included test drives, Scott Carduner, Robbinsville, said the time has come for the legislators to embrace electric cars.
”This is the ultimate electric vehicle,” Mr. Carduner said, noting he test-drove the vehicle. “Whatever we can do to get the New Jersey Legislature to change the laws to allow them to sell directly because there’s no reason why (not) it’s a positive for everybody.
While he owns a Chevrolet Volt, he said he wouldn’t be surprised if he owned a Tesla in the future.
In a press release, on the car maker’s website, Tesla Motors have lamented efforts they said are due to pressure from the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailer to prevent implementation of Tesla’s direct sales model.
According to the Tesla website, the carmaker maintains two locations in the state — in the Short Hills Mall and Garden State Plaza.
Patrick Jones, company spokesman, said the locations, known as “galleries” are intended to educate consumers about the car.
However, staff are unable to provide pricing information or “conduct sales operations.”

