Walgreens Establishes Electric Car Charging Network

Electric cars may be few and far between today, but is beginning to pave the way for the day they are more plentiful by installing 800 charging stations throughout the country, according to company spokesperson Robert Elfinger.

There is already a station at Walgreen’s corporate headquarters on Wilmot Road in Deerfield as well as at stores in and Wheeling. The Wilmot Road facility is for employees only.

“We think it’s the right thing to do,” Elfinger said. “Cars need a network of locations. We can offer ours very comfortably.”

In Illinois, Walgreens is working with 350 Green, a Los Angeles based company planning to install 280 stations throughout the state primarily at Walgreens but at some other locations as well, according to spokesperson John Williams.

“Walgreens is a good corporate citizen getting the stations into the public before the demand goes through the roof,” Williams said. Since it takes longer to charge an electric automobile than fill a standard car with gas, there is a benefit to Walgreens as well.

“When people are getting their charge they can go into Walgreens and have a prescription filled or buy food,” Williams said. Using 350 Green’s best equipment, it can take 45 minutes to an hour to complete the task.

Though customers can charge their car without cost through February, Williams estimates it will cost approximately $75 a month to keep an electric car running. People can pay for each charge or make a monthly arrangement, according to Williams.