First Free and Publicly Accessible Electric Car Fast-Charging Station in South Florida Opens
Tuesday, February 4, 5 p.m.
Pinecrest Gardens
11000 Red Road.

The first free and publicly accessible electric car fast-charging station in South Florida has been installed in the Pinecrest Gardens’ parking area. The station can charge an electric car in a fraction of the time it takes to charge with a regular charging station. For example, a Nissan LEAF can be charged from zero to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. Other vehicles may take more or less time to achieve a similar charge.

Mayor Cindy Lerner and Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano Gomez will drive one of the Village’s Nissan LEAFs to Pinecrest Gardens for the first official use of the fast-charging station.
The fast-charging station is located in the northeast area of the parking lot. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road.

“We have a significant focus on sustainability, improving access to energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Mayor Lerner, who added that her next car will be an electric car.

Pinecrest Gardens attracts over 150,000 visitors each year and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 2011, making it historically significant on a local, state and national platform.

“Because of its popularity and the Village’s commitment to conservation and sustainability, Pinecrest Gardens is the ideal location for an electric car fast-charging station,” said Galiano. “One can visit the Gardens, take a class in the community center or go to the library while charging the car.”

The fast charger is capable of charging at 44kW, compared to regular charging which runs at approximately 6kW. The fast-charger can be used by drivers of Nissan, Mitsubishi and Tesla electric cars. Tesla electric car owners need an adapter in order to charge.

Pinecrest Gardens is a premier venue for the arts, education and environmental conservation and preservation. On any given day one can catch an arts performance, tour the 14 acres of native forested wetland, tropical hardwood hammock and native cypress slough hammock or take a class in horticulture, archeology and botany.