Saving the Planet One Electric Vehicle at a Time ~ Drive Green ~ September 26 to October 4

Bedford’s electric vehicle charging stations have experienced healthy growth over the past year. The program uses 100% renewable electricity thanks to the efforts of Facilities Director Taissir Alani. The use of just these seven charging stations has eliminated 28,160 kg. of greenhouse gas emissions.

Bedford’s chapter of Mothers Out Front sponsors a small sub-group to focus on transportation issues in and around Bedford. It has recently been discussing the use of electric vehicles as a necessary transition to reduce fossil fuel use. Electric vehicles are fun to drive, easy to charge, and can save you money!

At the end of September, the Green Energy Consumers Alliance is promoting a National Drive Electric Week from 9/26-10/4. See this website for more information about online events taking place. https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/drivegreen/nationaldriveelectricweekonlinesept26thoct8th

We thought it would be the perfect time to look at what has been happening in Bedford over the last year after the installation of ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations in March of 2019.

Thanks to the efforts of Bedford’s Facilities Director, Taissir Alani, 100% renewable electricity powers seven charging stations located around town: a pair at Town Hall, another pair located between Bedford High School and the Library, and single units at Davis School, Lane School, and John Glenn Middle School’s parking lot on McMahon Road.

The units belong to the Town of Bedford and charging is free and will continue to be so for the near future. We are so fortunate to live in a town that has made significant efforts to mitigate the effects of carbon in our atmosphere. Thank you to our town leadership! Usage of the charging stations has steadily climbed over the last year as shown below:

The use of just these seven charging stations has eliminated 28,160 kg. of greenhouse gas emissions. That is the equivalent of planting 723 trees and letting them grow for 10 years! Congratulations to all Bedford electric vehicle owners for reducing harmful emissions.

Local EV Owners Share their Experiences

Bedford EV owner Peggy Duesenberry had this to say about her Chevrolet Bolt: “’I found driving an EV takes a few days to get used to, and then it’s just fast, fun, and helps you get around without adding to our climate crisis. I love it.”

Dan Bostwick, another Bedford EV owner, shows just how easy it is to use the charging station. You only need to apply for a free account at ChargePoint.com and then use that card when you want to charge your vehicle. It’s as easy as getting a Starbucks card! Dan reports that thanks to so many places that offer free public charging, they have been driving mostly for free since 2017!! Nina Oliveri, another Bedford resident says, “Love our town’s free charging stations and the fact that when the occasion occurs that I need to fill up my tank, it’s a fraction of the cost as my other vehicles. LOVE my [plug-in hybrid Honda] Clarity.”

Using Bedford’s Free Charging Stations

If you have an EV and haven’t yet made use of the town charging stations, you should give it a try. Charging your car is as easy as plugging in your phone. And, if you prefer to charge at home, a regular household (110v) outlet can give you sufficient overnight charging for regular daily use even if you don’t install a 220v fast charger.

Facebook Page for Bedford’s EV Owners

If you are thinking about a new vehicle, consider an electric or plug-in hybrid. There is a Bedford Facebook page where you can connect with other EV owners and ask questions and gather information. It is called “BEV-PHEV-D – Bedford EV-PHEV Discussions” or Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/328478847857850