Maryland Makes History With First Fully Converted Gas-to-Electric Refueling Station in the United States

by Kaymie Owen, CMP, Communications Manager

Maryland Energy Administration Chief of Staff, Chris Rice and R.S. Automotive Inc. owner Depeswar Doley

The nation’s first fully converted gas-to-electric refueling and service station for electric vehicles (EV) opened on September 26, 2019 in Montgomery County, Maryland. The EV refueling station, jointly funded by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Electric Vehicle Institute (EVI), is located along the Maryland/Washington, D.C. border at RS Automotive, 7224 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park.

The refueling station hosts a state-of-the-art, high-powered (HP), 200 kilowatt (kw), four dispenser system, delivering 50 kws and higher for EV charging. This refueling station allows four EVs to charge simultaneously within 20 to 30 minutes under an illuminated canopy. A new 200 kw/HP charging system with DC fast charging capability is in place to support the EV station along with a certified repair facility that can handle all aspects of servicing, including battery pack replacement and disposal, plus a fully stocked and automated convenience store.

Petroleum tank removal during construction at R.S. Automotive. photo credit EVI

R.S. Automotive Inc. owner Depeswar Doley and EVI CEO, Matthew Wade during the installation of electric wiring for EV chargers. photo credit EVI

Mr. Doley with his service center team addressing the crowd

Mr. Doley has owned the station since 1997 but state he was unsatisfied with the oil and gasoline companies strict contracts and limited maintenance support prompted him to consider alternative options for his property. It was a nudge from his 17 year old  daughter, Teresa that convinced him to make the switch to EV charging.

EV service center area

EVI received a $786,000 Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program grant from MEA grant in FY18, which was used to support the purchase of 16 DC fast chargers for seven locations across the state. The project exemplifies the long history of public and private partnerships that advance energy and transportation opportunities for Marylanders.

Takoma Park Mayor, Kate Stewart noted how proud the city is to have this local EV charging resource available.

These new chargers at RS Automotive are among the over 600 charging stations located within the State of Maryland. A growing network of EV charging infrastructure will be needed to help Maryland meet its goal of having 60,000 EVs on the road by 2020, and 300,000 by 2025.

Chief of Staff Rice was interviewed by Takoma Park City TV for a feature story on the opening of the station.

Several media outlets attended the event and NBC Channel 4 Washington DC produced a first person user video that can be seen here.

To learn more about Maryland’s zero-emission vehicle efforts, please visit the Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council website . To learn more about the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP) grant that helped fund this project click here. To learn more about EVI, visit them online here.