The City of Frederick, Maryland, has taken a significant step towards sustainable transportation with its partnership with Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK). Blink, a prominent global provider of electric vehicle or EV charging equipment and services announced plans to install 20 IQ 200 chargers across four downtown parking garages. This initiative aims to cater to the charging needs of residents without home charging options and visitors to the city, enhancing accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle drivers.
The installation of these charging stations comes as part of the City of Frederick’s strategy to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles in the area. Strategically located in downtown parking garages near key retail, dining, and residential areas, the chargers will provide EV owners with convenient access to charging facilities during their visits to the city.
The collaboration between Blink Charging and the City of Frederick signifies a significant advancement in the expansion and innovation of EV charging infrastructure. The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, as the proprietor and operator of the designated parking garage locations, is introducing membership options for residents to ensure secured access to charging spots, thereby enhancing service and flexibility for users.
Mike Battaglia, Chief Operating Officer of Blink Charging said, “This expansion provides Blink Charging with the opportunity to expand our charging solutions into bustling cities, like Frederick. Our mission is to meet electric vehicle drivers, whether residents or visitors, with the convenience of charging on-the-go. We look forward to electrifying the City of Frederick and revolutionizing the future of transportation in the city.”
Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, emphasized the importance of the new charging stations, stating, “Frederick attracts nearly 2 million outside visitors per year on top of local transient trips by residents and workers, and in 2023 alone, we saw an uptick of 50% in the number of trips made by EVs. Our downtown parking system, ParkFrederick, strives to be easy to use so the city can continue to encourage tourism spending and prioritize expanding employment. The 20 new Blink chargers represent a huge step toward Frederick providing more charging options.”
Mayor Michael O’Connor expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The introduction of these new EV charging stations within our downtown parking garages will enhance the convenience of EV ownership and reaffirms the City’s dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. Efforts like these are why I believe that together with Blink, we are powering Frederick towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Jenny Willoughby, the City’s Sustainability Manager, highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative, stating, “We’re so excited to offer EV charging options for both residents and visitors alike. These chargers will contribute to the reduction of tailpipe emissions and ultimately help improve air quality in the city and the broader region.”
The initiative has also received support from external organizations committed to clean energy and transportation. Antoine M. Thompson, CEO/Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, stated, “Increasing the number of EV charging stations is a crucial step toward improving equitable access to clean energy and transportation. The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition is proud to have supported this important initiative to ensure that all communities have access to EV chargers.”
Blink Charging, through the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership with Virginia Energy, has recently deployed charging stations in Frederick and surrounding areas. These Level 2 (L2) charging stations, strategically placed across six hotel locations in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland, aim to provide EV drivers with the convenience of charging on-the-go during their visits.
The partnership between Blink Charging and the City of Frederick underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the region. With the installation of these new charging stations, the City of Frederick is poised to become a more EV-friendly destination, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors alike.
