You are here

Home » Electric Vehicle Chargers Ready To Plug Your Car Into At Death Valley National Park

Electric Vehicle Chargers Ready To Plug Your Car Into At Death Valley National Park

Share

Published Date

July 14, 2019
Solar power from Xanterra Travel Collection's solar field at Death Valley is being tapped to charge vehicles/Kurt Repanshek file

Solar power from Xanterra Travel Collection's solar field at Death Valley is being tapped to charge vehicles/Kurt Repanshek file

Sunshine turned into electricity is now available for charging your electric vehicle at Death Valley National Park.

Xanterra Travel Collection, which owns the main lodgings and dining options at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, long has relied on a solar power grid to furnish electricity to its operations. Now the company, which operates on private property within the national park and is not a concessionaire, is making some of that electricity available for free to owners of electric vehicles.

Six electric vehicle charging stations have been installed on the company's property: four chargers at The Ranch at Death Valley and two at the Inn at Death Valley. The installation of the chargers was made through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Energy, and BMW of North American.

“The Oasis at Death Valley is committed to providing legendary hospitality with a softer footprint and we couldn’t be more excited about the installation of these six strategically placed charging stations," said Trey Matheu, general manager of The Oasis at Death Valley.  “We have seen an immediate demand for the stations and look forward to continuing to serve EV visitors.”

The chargers in Death Valley are part of a larger project to expand public access for EV travel and help reduce air pollution in parks and gateway communities. More than 90 charging stations have been installed in and near national parks so far, including Channel Islands National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Grand Canyon National Park.  

This project kicked off in April 2017 with the first electric vehicle charging stations installed at Thomas Edison National Historical Park. 

The Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office has provided technical assistance that supports innovative energy saving transportation projects at national park sites. These projects educate visitors on the benefits of advanced and alternative fuel vehicles and can help the National Park Service meet their energy, economic, and environmental goals.  The benefits of these projects have the opportunity to reach far beyond the boundaries of the national parks.

“The automobile has long been central to the great American vacation in national parks,” said National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith. “While our treasured landscapes offer familiar vistas time after time, the automobile has changed greatly, and parks want to meet the needs of our visitors who use electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Through this joint effort between BMW of North America, the Department of Energy, and the National Park Foundation electric vehicle drivers will have more places to charge the car while recharging themselves with nature and parks.” 

Related Stories:

National Park Service Wins Court Battle Over Cashless Policy
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks | National Parks And The Mines Next Door
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks: Steep Lodging Rates Price Out Some Visitors

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Penelope Shay on July 16, 2019 - 1:48am.

I have lived and worked here.  I know where this is, once a peaceful walk, this is ugly!  It is very useful to have chargers in the Parks, but there are so many other places around buildings, that would camouflage this so much better.  In Yellowstone, they have the chargers nestled near the dorms and back of hotels. 

 


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.