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HAMILTON: Running on electricity

By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
   While electric vehicles are still a very small percentage of cars on the road, gasoline is a finite resource that will run out.
   Tesla Motors is already preparing for this, and the Model S provides an all-electric means of transportation that combines style, performance, and sustainability, according to Jamee Hawn, spokesperson for the company, which has its headquarters in Palo Alto, California.
   ”Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric vehicles,” Ms. Hawn said. “In order to promote a higher quality and more sustainable future, the transition to electric vehicles needs to start now.”
   The transition hasn’t been an easy one in New Jersey. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission stopped Tesla’s sales of electric vehicles at the company’s galleries in Paramus and Short Hills, citing a law from the 1970s that requires cars to be sold through dealerships. The state Assembly reviewed that law and passed a bill in June that would permit certain zero emission manufacturers, such as Tesla Motors, to directly sell motor vehicles to consumers. The bill also includes a stipulation requiring such companies to operate service facilities in the state.
   As the bill makes it way through the Senate, Tesla’s New Jersey galleries remain open but cars are not sold there. New Jerseyans who wish to purchase Tesla vehicles can order them online or in other states.
   Tesla Motors is doing its best to provide those who do purchase its vehicles with places to charge them while their out.
   ”Tesla Motors endeavors to place Supercharger stations in convenient locations along heavily traveled routes between major cities,” Ms. Hawn said.
   The company celebrated the opening of its 100th charging station in the Hamilton Marketplace off Route 130 on April 24. The station is located next to the Barnes & Noble bookstore.
   ”Tesla Superchargers allow Model S owners to travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways in North America,” Ms. Hawn said. “The Tesla Supercharger is substantially more powerful than any charging technology to date, providing up to 135 kilowatts of power and replenishing half a charge in 20 minutes. Supercharger stations are strategically placed to allow owners to drive from station to station with minimal stops. Stations are located near amenities like roadside diners, cafes, and shopping centers so road trippers can stop for a quick meal and have their Model S charged by the time they’re done.”
   DDR Corp., which is based in Beachwood, Ohio, owns Hamilton Marketplace.
   ”This amenity illustrates DDR’s focus on populating our shopping centers with best-in-class brands,” Matt Schuler, director of communications for DDR Corp., said. “Additionally, a primary attribute of our centers is predicated on providing value and convenience to the consumer. Installing Tesla Superchargers at our properties enables us to offer an even greater level of convenience to Tesla drivers, who can shop or enjoy a meal while recharging their vehicles for free.”
   Mr. Schuler said his company has heard from several Tesla owners who appreciate the ability to shop at some of their favorite retailers or enjoy a meal while their vehicles charge.
   ”As Tesla’s vehicles grow in popularity and become more widespread in the future, we expect Superchargers to enhance the draw of our shopping centers and bring additional traffic to our retail partners,” Mr. Schuler said. “Including Hamilton Marketplace, we have three Tesla Supercharger stations across our portfolio. The other Superchargers are located in Richmond, Virginia, and Cleveland, Ohio. Based on our conversations with Tesla, the relationship could be expanded to several more locations across the nation in the coming months. In addition to the Tesla Superchargers, DDR has also installed four Volta charging stations in Arizona that accommodate a variety of electric vehicles from various manufacturers.”
   The Hamilton Township Supercharger Station is currently the only Supercharger station in New Jersey, though Tesla Motors is actively working on expanding throughout the United States. The company currently has over 100 Supercharger locations in the United States, and over 160 globally, including China and Europe, according to Ms. Hawn.
   ”Tesla offers other options for charging as well, including access to Model S wall connectors and NEMA 14-50 outlets, the standard way to charge the Model S, at the Tesla Motors Springfield Township Service Center (available during business hours),” Ms. Hawn said. “The Short Hills Gallery also has a Model S connector available during business hours, and the Garden State Plaza Gallery in Paramus has two Model S connectors, located in the ground level of the parking garage.”
   According to Tesla Motors, Tesla’s Supercharger network passed a charging milestone in June, delivering more than 1 GWh of energy to Model S vehicles in a single month. That energy accounts for a collective 3.7 million miles driven, 168,000 gallons of gas saved, and 4.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide offset. That’s like driving to the moon and back seven and a half times, and nixing a day’s worth of CO2 from 73,684 Americans.