Does anybody remember when Esso (now Exxon) advertised that it could “Put a Tiger in Your Tank?’ On July 6, Louisiana State University’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, proved that he is slightly more evolved than that 1960s cat, when he became the first (human or feline) to use an electric vehicle charging station on campus in Baton Rouge.
Mike drove an electric Nissan Leaf, provided by Royal Nissan of Baton Rouge, to charge up at one of the two stations donated to the school by Entergy Louisiana LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana L.L.C.
The chargers were paid for by Entergy shareholders through a $160,000 grant from its Environmental Initiatives Fund, which was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via innovative and promising projects. The charging stations were built by Campbell, California-based Coulomb Technologies, which specializes in electric vehicle charging systems
The stations, located across from Patrick F. Taylor Hall and in the Hart Lot near Kirby Smith, are currently capable of providing a complete charge to any EV on the market. However, the program to provide LSU students, faculty, and staff with free electrical “fill-ups” with the use of an issued swipe card is expected to be in full swing around the start of the fall semester
In addition, LSU’s Center for Energy Studies and Entergy plan to collect usage data and conduct critical research about the chargers’ impact on consumers and the electric grid.
“Collecting usage data will allow Entergy and LSU to conduct critical research about EV chargers,” said Brent Dorsey, Director of Corporate Environmental Programs for Entergy. “The goal is to determine the impacts and opportunities of EV charging, including length to charge, consumer charging profiles, time of day for charging, impacts on electric facilities, and other consumer behavior and preferences.”
"Electric vehicles are gaining widespread attention and being embraced as an important technology solution for the nation's energy future. We know that the infrastructure must be in place to support the evolution of the technology, and we hope Entergy's donation of EV chargers to LSU will help start that process for the Baton Rouge market," said Bill Mohl, President and CEO of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. "This program is part of our deeper commitment to support technologies that foster environmental sustainability and provide for clean, efficient and affordable power for today and tomorrow."
The next generation of affordable, consumer-friendly EVs – including the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf – are expected to be available within the Baton Rouge market by December 2011.
Entergy is currently working with other universities in its four-state service market— Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas—to donate up to 16 electric vehicle chargers.
“As the state’s flagship university, it’s fitting that we are the leader in accepting and installing Entergy’s gift in the company’s four-state service territory,” said LSU Chancellor Michael Martin. “This partnership will go a long way to establishing a cleaner environment and a cleaner way to travel for our citizens. LSU’s Center for Energy Studies also will benefit from the data produced by these chargers while our students, faculty and staff will benefit from the free charges
For more information, visit the Louisiana State University
website.
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
