Hawi has a new Tesla electric car charging station open to the public. It is directly behind the Algood Hawaii Real Estate building. It is open to the public for cars visiting North Kohala and needing a charge to return home. Car charging at the station is free to out-of-town visitors. The station is open 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Hawaii has a record number of electric cars. In September 2019 and the number of electric cars in Hawaii surpassed 10,000. This year Tesla Model 3s were in the top 10 of the most registered cars in Hawaii of all make and model cars.
Electric cars charge at three levels. Level one is the charging that occurs from a standard 110 volt electric outlet. Level two charges at a faster speed and requires a 220 volt electric outlet similar to an electric dryer. Level three charges at the highest speed and is usually reserved for stations installed by electric companies. HELCO has installed five fast charging stations around the island currently in Kona HELCO office on Kaiwi St., Hilo HELCO office on Kilauea St., Mauna Lani Shops, Kamuela KTA, and Naalehu Punaluu Bake Shop. The average charge is usually less than $10 per visit but depends on usage. HELCO charges different amounts depending upon time of day with daytime being the lowest cost per KWH or kilowatt hour.
There are also several electric car clubs on the Big Island including clubs Tesla owner clubs. For more information on electric vehicles and electric vehicle clubs go to www.bieva.org. For more information about the Hawi Tesla charging station paid for by Algood Hawaii call 808-557-0354. One of the mottos of the Big Island Electric Vehicle Association encourages the public to contribute to a cleaner greener Hawaii and recommends to “Kick gas – drive electric”.
Holly Algood
December 8, 2019
