Dear Maryhill:
Have you considered installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station or exterior electrical plug at the winery? I have visited and purchased Maryhill wines several times in the past, but always driving a gasoline automobile. Recently, I purchased the 100% electric Nissan Leaf EV, which has a nominal highway range of 70-80 miles. I would like to visit your winery next spring/summer on my drive to the Portland area. However, I would need to charge for several hours (preferably 16 Amp, 240 V but alternatively 12 Amp, 120V) in order to reach the next nearest charging station in Hood River.
Installing a level 2 charging station would be an excellent PR and marketing tool for the winery. Many tourist destinations such as wineries have installed such stations. The use of such a station requires the EV driver to spend several hours (e.g., captive customer) nearby. In addition, many (if not all current) EV owners would be the perfect demographic for your winery. Your Portland/Vancouver customers now have easy access to Maryhill by stopping in Hood River and Cascade Locks and using the 100 Amp, 480 VDC Quick Charge Stations.
Please consider installing a level 2 station ($1000-$10,000) or an exterior 240 V electrical plug ($100-$500) and adding the station to the growing national network (http://www.plugshare.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false
. I should also mention that fully charging the Nissan Leaf only costs about $2.50 in electricity, less than the typical tasting fee, which is refunded with a purchase.
Thanks for your help. Please let me know if I will be able to drive electric next year. Thanks.
More information can be found at the Oregon and Washington electric highways websites.
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OIPP/Pages/inn_ev-charging.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://westcoastgreenhighway.com/electrichighways.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.plugshare.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (shows the location of most national charging stations)
Various charging stations are available and here are a few for your consideration:
http://evsolutions.avinc.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.chargepoint.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.clippercreek.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;