Aloha Petroleum Adds EV Fast Chargers

HONOLULU -- Aloha Petroleum Ltd., operator of Aloha Island Mart stores, and technology solutions provider AeroVironment unveiled Electric Vehicle (EV) DC fast chargers at three of the convenience retailer’s locations in Hawaii.

For a limited time, electric vehicles equipped with a CHAdeMO (short for CHArge de Move or charge for moving) fast-charging outlet, such as select models of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, can be charged for free at the Aloha Island Mart Kahal, Aloha Island Mart Waipio-Gentry and Kailua Shell, all of which are on Oahu.

DC fast chargers can deliver a full charge to a nearly depleted EV battery in less than 30 minutes.

"Use of electric vehicles is steadily increasing across Oahu," noted Richard Parry, Aloha Petroleum’s president and CEO. "As our customers’ driving habits evolve, we’re proud to provide innovative, clean and reliable ways to fuel their vehicles, whether it’s gas-powered or electric."

The Aloha Petroleum charging stations are part of the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program, which received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and limit the state’s dependence on petroleum. The program calls for the installation of 200 EV charging stations at more than 80 locations statewide.

In March 2011, the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program awarded AeroVironment an $820,000 contract to fund deployment of charging stations throughout the islands. AeroVironment has already installed more than 80 public Level 2 (240-volt) chargers at hotels, shopping centers and office buildings, as well as DC fast chargers at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai and Wyndham Hotel on Oahu.

"Hawaii shares our vision of an electric vehicle driving experience that is safe, reliable and easy," said Wahid Nawabi, senior vice president of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. "With the opportunity to recharge in less than 30 minutes, it’s easy for drivers to stop at one of Aloha’s convenient locations, plug in and charge up while grabbing a snack or a cup of coffee."