Even a reputable and long-established community business sometimes has to act like a shark: If it doesn’t keep moving forward, it will decline and go under.
So, when Edward Ingalls took over his dad’s electric contracting firm, Newington Electric, he decided to dodge a strong economic undertow by staying current. And this week, he formally launched a division known as Connecticut Electric Car.
Newington Electric is far from a new name in Connecticut. The prominent electric contracting business was founded by Richard Ingalls back in 1958. Now, more than half a century later, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of Ingalls’ son, who knows the value of evolving with the times. He is the vision behind Connecticut Electric Car, a new company division dedicated to the installation of car-charging stations for Connecticut growing fleet of electric vehicles (EVs).
Connecticut Electric Car is quickly becoming a statewide leader in the installation and wiring of electric car charging stations. Its newly formed division is able to draw from Newington Electric Company’s 50- plus years of experience and reputation for performing top quality electrical work throughout the state. In fact, General Motors (News - Alert), GMC maker of the Chevy Volt EV, recently named the company as an authorized installer for its electric car charging stations at all of its dealerships in the state. In addition, Connecticut Electric Car is working with Nissan on a similar deal to roll out its Nissan Leaf this fall.
“As fuel costs continue to climb, so too does the demand for electric automobiles and a cleaner environment…we’re simply providing a service that’s in high demand,” said Ingalls. “We’re proud to be the first to offer this service here in Connecticut, while always making safety our top priority.”
The company recently installed two car-charging stations in one of the parking garages that services Blue Back Square, a mixed-use development in West Hartford, Connecticut. Like many other progressive retail establishments, Blue Back Square recognized a need to offer such amenities in order to accommodate its retail and residential clients and tenants.
In the near future, the company plans on doing business with Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and the State of Connecticut for similar services offered to their environmentally-conscious employees and customers. CL&P has joined up with four municipalities in beginning research into establishing charging stations. Twenty towns and businesses are expected to join the study. State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Dan Esty has blessed the effort.
Other projects in the works include setting up stations in area malls, property management companies, insurance companies, hospitals, municipalities and manufacturing companies.
Ingalls adds that the main benefit of installing a 220 volt Level 2 charging station is that it only takes a few hours or less to fully charge an electric car; versus a 110 volt Level 1, which can take up to 10 hours or more to fully charge.
“As more and more retailers and restaurant owners are looking to install car chargers as a way to promote a cleaner environment, as well as way of attracting new business for electrical car owners, we here at Connecticut Electric Car are a friendly and affordable destination,” said Ingalls.
Anyone who installs an electric car charging station before the end of the year can cash in on a 30 percent rebate from the government.
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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
Jennifer Russell
