BMW Partners on Charging Stations at National Parks

CARS.COM — Well, Earth Day revelers, it doesn’t get much greener than this: 100 new electric vehicle charging stations at America’s national parks. BMW has partnered with the National Park Foundation, National Park Service and Department of Energy to make visiting America’s national parks in an EV more feasible.

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The first of these stations has already been completed at Thomas Edison National Historical Park in New Jersey, and the partnership will continue to identify additional locations for future stations. Officials will select sites based on proximity to and strength of an area’s EV market, distance from other charging locations, and the “natural and cultural landscape.”

“The availability of electric vehicle chargers will help reduce air pollution in parks and gateway communities as well as demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles in everyday life,” BMW said in a statement, noting that dozens of parks have already expressed interest.

BMW made the announcement in time for Earth Day, which is Saturday. But the effort isn’t just tied to one day of the year.

“The effects of a changing climate have led the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to focus on minimizing greenhouse gas contributions and reducing drivers’ carbon footprint,” BMW stated. “Through this public-private partnership, these organizations can provide opportunities for the use of alternative-fuel vehicles as one way to preserve national parks for future generations to enjoy.”