Aug 15 2011
Costco Removing Old Electric Car Chargers

This just arrived into my inbox… say that Costco will make this right. And with all the talk about sustainable farms in their current issue… why not make it right. Help Them see this is not a good idea.

Here’s the letter:
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Mr. Sinegal,

Please keep electric vehicle chargers at your stores.

I am an executive member: 11021608000

A new era has begun. Thousands of Chevy Volts and Nissan LEAFs have already been delivered to drivers. Smart and BMW are currently leasing electric cars. Ford’s electric Focus is coming soon. In fact, every major automaker has announced plans to release a plug-in vehicle by 2012-13.

We drivers of electric cars will always be grateful to Costco for your pioneering efforts in supporting electric vehicle charging. Hundreds of thousands of miles of petroleum-free, emission-free driving (and thousands of hours of Costco shopping) have been enabled by the existence of the charging stations located at 53 warehouse locations.

Costco can now take advantage of a California Energy Commission-funded project that would pay for the upgrade of existing stations to support these newer vehicles. We encourage Costco to use this opportunity to continue to show leadership by enabling zero-emission transportation.

Unfortunately, many California Costco stores have recently begun to remove this important infrastructure which enables Costco customers to utilize cleaner, American energy for transportation. We appeal to you to stop any further removal of EV charging stations and to utilize the CEC opportunity to meet the growing needs of your customers with plug-in cars.

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Fellow Clean Car Supporter,

Now that thousands of new plug-in cars are being delivered, why is Costco ripping out many of their charging stations, such as the one in Rohnert Park pictured here? Why won’t Costco take advantage of a California state grant to upgrade charging stations to the new standard used by the Chevy Volt, Nissan LEAF, and every plug-in car coming to showrooms in the coming years?

Take Action Now

We drivers of electric cars will always be grateful to Costco. Costco deserves praise for its early support for electric cars. Hundreds of thousands of miles of petroleum-free, emission-free driving (and thousands of hours of Costco shopping) have been enabled by the existence of the electric vehicle charge stations hosted by Costco. The charging stations installed over ten years ago have survived thanks to Costco’s leadership and the volunteer efforts of the drivers of electric vehicles, along with Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association.

The time has come to let Costco know loud and clear of our support for their electric car charging stations. The best way for members to communicate with Costco is through their in-store suggestion boxes.

Visit your local Costco and drop a note in the box. You can download Costco’s member feedback form here.

If your Costco has charge stations, thank them and ask them to keep them. And ask them to upgrade the old stations to J1772 while maintaining the stations used by RAV4 EVs. If they’ve yanked them out already, let them know of your disappointment.

In addition, send Costco CEO Jim Sinegal an email. Just click and send, or better yet, personalize your letter with your experience and hopes for Costco charging, along with your Costco Membership #.

Take Action Now

If you can make a donation to Plug In America, now is a great time. Campaigns like this take time and resources.

Thank you

Dan Davids
President, Plug in America

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