Free Plug-In Outlets Popping Up in Washington

Plug-in hybrids may still be in development, but boutique electric cars like the ZAP Zebra have a small following in Olympia, Wash. This has led a few local businesses to install outlets near parking spots so the electric vehicles have a place to recharge.

One owner is trying to get more businesses on board; considering the ZAP needs to recharge for 4.5 hours to go just 25 miles, a lot more of these “Electric Vehicle Charging Stalls” better start popping up. The cost to the business owner is limited, and imagine malls that could entice people to shop for an extra hour just so their vehicle can recharge.

Proposed plug-in hybrids from GM and other companies would have a much longer range, but we can see these recharging outlets as a good idea at highway rest stops, gas stations and fast-food restaurants where drivers could spend a good 30 to 60 minutes spending money while waiting for a charge. 

Cars in Search of Outlets (The Olympian)