FT COLLINS, CO – February 28, 2012 New Belgium Brewing announced today that it is adding two fully electric plug-in Nissan Leafs to its local delivery fleet and making its on-site electrical charging stations open and free to the public. The two vehicles will be used for local sales support.
“We chose to move into the electric vehicle realm because electric vehicles have the potential to be zero-emissions whereas gasoline and diesel cars do not,” said New Belgium sustainability specialist Katie Wallace said for a company press release. “Even charging a car on a coal grid emits fewer greenhouse gasses than an average gasoline-powered engine.”
On average, plug-in vehicles are 33% more efficient than conventional combustion engines and perform on par with hybrid vehicles for fuel efficiency. Few charging stations currently exist along the Front Range, so New Belgium has worked with Schneider Electric to implement two stations on-site and will allow free charges to the public.
The two on-site level 2 charging stations were donated by Schneider Electric and co-opted through an EV strategy group with the City of Fort Collins utility department.
“New Belgium Brewing is really a leader in energy efficiency practices and social responsibility,” said Mike Calise, Director, Electric Vehicles, Power Business, Schneider Electric. “Schneider Electric, as a global specialist in energy management, is proud to partner with them to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure at their Fort Collins facility to support their initiatives.”
Electric vehicle drivers can fill up for free during New Belgium’s tasting hours (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday) by checking in at the reception desk.
In addition to the fully electric Leaf vehicles, New Belgium is contracting with Kenworth to replace its entire local delivery truck fleet with hybrid vehicles starting this spring.
“Ultimately we want to set an example for exploring various options when making a vehicle purchase,” said Wallace. “For some people, a hybrid is a better option, but others may opt for an electric car. But, of course, our first preference will always be the bike.”
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