The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington Links Region to Statewide Electric Transport Grid

BURLINGTON, WA--May 27, 2011: The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington is excited to announce that they have installed Level II chargers for electrical vehicles. Electric vehicle drivers will be able to top off their batteries while shopping at dozens of stores. The shopping center is the first business in Burlington, WA to install the chargers.

This new service complements the state's role in the West Coast Green Highway partnership, a three-state effort to develop infrastructure along the I-5 corridor necessary for the widespread use of vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as electricity.

The charging stations at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington eventually will link electric cars, motorcycles, vans and trucks in Burlington to an expanding network of charging stations throughout the state. With its Electric Highways project, the Washington state transportation and commerce departments are installing publicly accessible fast-charging equipment along the I-5 corridor by the end of the year.

The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington has installed convenient chargers in the parking lot.  "Anyone with a Level I or Level II compatible vehicle can come and charge their battery free of charge," according to General Manager, Tom Hill.  "With a Level II charger it could take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete the charge. While customers are waiting they can go and shop at stores like: Nike, Lululemon, Coach, and Tommy Hilfiger ," said Hill.

"By offering this new service, the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington are helping Washington create a 21st century transportation system that addresses our transportation, energy and environmental challenges," said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. "Not only will it make owning and driving electric vehicles more convenient and desirable, but it also will help our state lead the way toward a seamless network of charging stations from Canada to Mexico with the West Coast Green Highway."

The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington is located just off of I-5 on Exit 229. The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.