Council approves study to explore charging stations at Metro Park and Rides

The Metropolitan King County Council today explored a future where Park and Rides may become “Plug and Rides,” by calling for a study of the potential installation of charging stations for a new generation of electric hybrid vehicles.

In a move to reduce the county’s carbon footprint and assist in a new wave of transportation options, the Council requested a study on ways King County can provide charging stations for the next generation of hybrids called Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Unlike existing gas-electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius, PHEVs have much larger electric storage capacity to allow the cars to run much longer using less fuel. The power for BEVs is supplied by batteries that need regular recharging.

Nationwide, many commuters are still driving alone to work, regardless of fuel prices. The prototype PHEVs and those to be released in 2009-10 by major car manufacturers are able to drive up to 100 miles on battery power alone.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/legistarweb and type in “2008-0222.”