FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2023
Contact:
Lyz Bantilan, Public Information Officer, APCD: (805) 979-8283
Bri Webster, Marketing Director, The Towbes Group: [email protected]
First Direct-Current Fast-Charging Station in Carpinteria for Electric Cars
Station installed by The Towbes Group, supported by APCD’s Clean Air Grants program
CARPINTERIA – A ribbon-cutting ceremony today celebrated the opening of a new electric vehicle charging station in Carpinteria – the first direct-current fast-charging station in the city. The station, located at The Shepard Place Shops at 1001 Casitas Pass Road, was installed by The Towbes Group and supported by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) Clean Air Grants program.
The new station is open to any person wishing to charge their electric car, and it provides two charging ports to allow for two cars to charge simultaneously. The direct-current fast charger can charge an electric car up to 100 miles in 10 minutes.
“I’m excited for this new fast-charging station in Carpinteria,” said Carpinteria Mayor Al Clark, who also serves on APCD’s Board of Directors and spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s easy to use and provides a quick charge – perfect for charging your electric car while running errands or stopping for a meal nearby. I appreciate all of the partners who made this project possible.”
“I am thrilled that The Towbes Group has installed the first DCFC electric vehicle fast charger at the Shephard Place Shops right here in Carpinteria,” said County Supervisor Das Williams, who also serves on APCD’s Board of Directors and spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Increasing the use of electric vehicles is vital to our air quality and climate protection, and a convenient fast charger right next to great restaurants and shopping is a needed step.”
The Towbes Group secured approximately $100,000 in funding from APCD’s Clean Air Grants program to help cover the installation costs for this project. Since 2011, APCD’s Clean Air Grants program has contributed more than $3.1 million toward electric vehicle infrastructure projects in Santa Barbara County, including 274 chargers that are currently publicly available or in development. Those 274 chargers are a mix of fast chargers (also known as Level 3 chargers) and Level 2 chargers, which charge cars at a slower speed than the direct-current fast chargers. Countywide, there are 97 publicly available direct-current fast chargers already installed or slated to be installed, with 24 of those receiving partial funding from APCD’s Clean Air Grants program.
“APCD is excited to partner with The Towbes Group to bring the first fast chargers to Carpinteria,” said APCD Executive Director, Aeron Arlin Genet, who spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We encourage all eligible entities to consider our Clean Air Grants program for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Convenient access to charging stations is essential for more drivers to choose electric cars, benefiting our local air quality and the environment.”
“The Towbes Group and the owners of Shepard Place Shops are proud to partner with FreeWire and Pardagim Electric to bring the very first DCFC EV Fast Charger to our patrons and neighbors in Carpinteria. We are resolute in our commitment to support and foster the vibrancy of the communities where our properties are located and firmly believe that promoting environmentally sound practices is an integral part of what we do. Bringing this new high-speed EV charger to our community is a source of pride for our team and we hope that these efforts will encourage other important community partnerships and green initiatives,” said Robert Skinner, CEO of The Towbes Group.
Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also featured a demonstration of using the charging station and an informational booth about electric vehicles, with information provided by APCD, the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, and the Community Environmental Council.
This charging station, as well as other all other stations funded by APCD’s Clean Air Grants program, can be found on the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator: Alternative Fuels Data Center: Alternative Fueling Station Locator (energy.gov). Community members are invited to view the following website for information on different cars and rebates: https://www.electricforall.org/which-car-is-right/.
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Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
The mission of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District is to protect the people and the environment of Santa Barbara County from the effects of air pollution. For more information about our Clean Air Grants Program, visit www.OurAir.org/grants.
The Towbes Group
The Towbes Group, Inc. is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and property management company. With more than 60 years of experience in the Tri-County area, we are committed to providing exceptional service at all stages from project development to ongoing management.
Headquartered in Santa Barbara, the award-winning Towbes Group has deep expertise in development, construction, investment, commercial property management, and residential property management. Widely recognized for delivering excellence across all its products and services, The Towbes Group has distinguished itself as not only a trustworthy, innovative organization but also as a vital community member.
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