Two of the most popular State Parks in Southern California – Leo Carrillo State Beach and Malibu Creek State Park – now have free electric vehicle (EV) charging for plug-in electric vehicle owners. The EV charging stations were made possible through Chevrolet’s EcoAd advertising with CBS EcoMedia Inc. The two, 240 volt, chargers can accommodate up to four plug-in electric vehicles. The units were installed at the two parks by EcoMedia’s nonprofit partner, Adopt A Charger. Chevy’s funding will provide free charging and service and maintenance for the charging stations for three full years.

A ribbon-cutting celebration was held in front of the Malibu Creek State Park Administration Building. The ribbon-cutting celebration was hosted by Craig Sap, California State Parks Superintendent for the Los Angeles District; Chevrolet Group Manager, Western Region Communications, Dave Barthmuss; Kitty Adams, Executive Director, Adopt A Charger, Inc.; and CBS EcoMedia President and Founder, Paul Polizzotto. Special guests included Alexandra Paul, Co-Founder, Plug-In-America, a Chevy Volt owner; along with several other Chevy Volt and Chevy Spark EV drivers and other interested plug-in car enthusiasts.

Chevy brought out two Chevy Volts and a new Spark EV for test drives and several attendees had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the battery-powered vehicles.

“Electric vehicles are catching on and we’re proud that the Chevy Volt is the number one selling plug-in vehicle in the country,” said Dave Barthmuss, Chevrolet’s Western Region Group Manager. “These new chargers will allow EV drivers to enjoy trips out to Southern California beaches without range anxiety. Installing EV charging stations at destination locations like Malibu Creek State Beach, where vehicles will sit for several hours, is a perfect example of the kind of infrastructure that will help grow the EV market.”

California State Parks recreational activities and outdoor experiences draw approximately 85 million visitors each year –an increasing number of who drive plug-in vehicles. Installation of EV charging stations is part of the “Cool Parks” initiative by California State Parks that responds to the pressing challenges of climate change and seeks to educate park visitors, and motivate the broader public to be part of the solution. By “adopting” these chargers, GM becomes a Proud Partner of the California State Parks.