Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Go Live at Lewes Ferry Terminal - Stations Operational and Open to the Public; First Customer Powers-up
(Lewes, Delaware) Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the two electric vehicle charging stations at the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry are “open for business.” The DRBA received the charging stations through a collaborative research program agreement between the University of Delaware (UD) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The Program, “Charging-Up Delaware” is designed to promote a network of charging stations to facilitate long-distance trips with electric vehicles in the State of Delaware.
“The charging stations are really convenient and easy to use,” said Laura Trethewey of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, who was the first customer to use the charging station. “It’s a great service for both locals and Ferry customers who are looking for a place to recharge their electric vehicle.”
The Level 2 charging stations, which are located in the public parking lot near the passenger terminal building, are available during the Cape May – Lewes Ferry’s business hours. The DRBA maintenance department installed both the charging stations as well as the terminal signage directing electric vehicle owners to their location. These stations are available at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Charging-Up Delaware program is designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by removing a significant obstacle to the adoption of electric cars: “range anxiety.” Potential buyers may hesitate to purchase the vehicles for fear that their battery will run out of charge beyond the range of a charging station. Based on studies by UD and other EV research institutions, placing charging stations at key locations will encourage use of electric vehicles, whether used to recharge, or simply to lower anxiety by knowing they are available if needed.
“The Ferry is already a tourism magnet, helping more than a million people a year cross the Bay or visit its shoreline,” said Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations. “We are happy our full-service Lewes Terminal now provides the owners of electric vehicles with a bayfront haven during their coastal Delaware visit.”
About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2014, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.
