The level 2 charger (220v single phase), which is due to be installed this spring, will be located curbside in front of the recently opened Raising Cane’s.
Lakewood Council-at-Large representative Tom Bullock, who last week spoke at an e-mobility forum held at the Cleveland Metroparks administrative offices, said the fast-food chain paid for the roughly $25,000 unit with the city covering installation costs.
“Being placed on the street means it’ll serve two parking spots,” Bullock said. “Also, there wasn’t an electric vehicle charger in that neighborhood, so it’s a good location with the shops, amenities and places to go.
“Step by step, we’re improving accessibility and making it easier for each section of our retail district to welcome electric vehicles.”
Raising Cane’s Marketing Director Matt Salts said the purchase of the electric charging station represents his company’s commitment to serve every community it calls home.
“Lakewood is a diverse city that values continued innovation and improvement for the citizens they serve,” Raising Cane’s Marketing Director Matt Salts said.
“We worked directly with the city of Lakewood and city planners during our planning and building process to provide infrastructure and a power connection in front of the Raising Cane’s restaurant on Detroit Ave., as well as the electric charging unit to the city.”
Bullock said the location of the third charger on the eastern end of Lakewood makes sense considering the growing number of drivers using the city’s two existing units.
“We’re in the process of trying to understand and learn usage patterns -- what works and what needs to be changed,” Bullock said.
“Word of mouth is getting around. I also know, anecdotally, from around town a number of Lakewood citizens have bought electric vehicles in the past year, so it’s nice that the city has a place for them to charge.”
Looking ahead, Bullock said he’s in favor of the city adding one or two stations annually using grant money.
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