Walgreens installs electric ‘fuel’ stations in second Texas market

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday helped launch the nation’s first privately funded and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network with an initial station at the Walgreens drug store at Belt Line Road and Montfort Drive in Dallas.

The drug store retailer is working with NRG Energy to install high-powered rapid charging eVgo Freedom Stations at 18 locations across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

According to NRG, it plans to install at least 30 charging stations at public parking facilities, other retailers and workplaces throughout the area by Labor Day. The charging stations will be conveniently located along major freeways, near retail districts and in multi-family communities. Walgreens is the largest retailer participating in this program.

“Every day, we serve our customers’ health and daily living needs and now, we are expanding those services to help customers who embrace environmental sustainability and electric vehicle use,” stated Walgreens director of energy and sustainability Menno Enters. “This is another way Walgreens is showing its commitment to helping the planet through innovation, design and efficiency.”

The charging stations will feature a high-speed direct current charger that can add 30 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes of charging time, along with a Level 2 charger that can add up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge. The stations are strategically located across eVgo host partner cities to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the region.

Walgreens partnered with NRG on 18 drug store charging stations in the Houston Market in November. Construction began this month at two locations. By the end of 2012, NRG plans to install a total of approximately 70 charging stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and another 50 in the Houston area. Additionally, NRG plans will help electrify the Interstate 45 corridor that connects the two cities by the end of next year.