Newest Kroger fuel center features electric charging stations
The electric car charger outside the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Photo by Jeff Sturgeon
Kroger’s newest gas station in the region puts out two types of fuel: gas and electric.
The fuel center at the University City Kroger features two electric charging stations. It is the grocer’s fist electric car charger in the six-state Mid-Atlantic region, according to a news release from Kroger.
Spokesman Carl York said Kroger decided to include the electric charging stations at the new Blacksburg fuel center because they’d heard from people in the community who wanted them. He said the charging station is a test, and will determine whether Kroger adds more charging stations to other fuel stations.
Electric charges will be free until Kroger figures out how much the stations are used and what it costs the company, York said.
“This is really a test for us,” he said.
The fuel center, which opened Sunday, has 14 gas dispensers.
The electric charging stations aren’t the first in the region. The Roanoke Times reported in September that the Virginia Museum of Transportation installed a charger just outside the building in a museum parking space. That same story says that there are only about 4,000 to 5,000 electric cars on the road.
Do you, or anyone you know, own an electric car? Where do they charge it?
December 6, 2011 - 9:00 AM
Will the new fuel station at the Kroger offices on Peters Creek Road have a charging station?
@tass: York wouldn’t say whether there are plans to include charging stations at other fuel centers. Usage of the charging stations in Blacksburg might determine that. Also, the building plans that Kroger has filed with the city for the Peters Creek station don’t mention anything about electric charging stations.
I read that there have been some exploding batteries, I believe in the Chevy Volt. I believe the article also said that GM is buying back Volts. If these statements are true, I would not bet on too many rushing to open charging stations.
who actually owns an electric car in roanoke?? looks like they should have put an iphone charger instead…those things just dont hold a charge.
This has nothing to do with Kroger…but is Steak n’ Shake still coming to Roanoke? If so, when?
@Renee: I tried to get an update on that last week. The franchisee is opening their Richmond restaurant this week, but wouldn’t give me details about when we could expect to see work begin on the Roanoke restaurant. He said the construction dates have changed so much that he’d rather talk about it when they’re definitely getting ready to begin work. So, in short, yes, it looks like they are still coming, but as to when, I don’t know. I plan to call them back after the holidays.