Going Green to a New Level in Maryland

State shows off first solar-powered vehicle charging site

Maryland is celebrating its latest "green" initiative. Today, Gov. Martin O'Malley unveiled the state's first solar-powered charging station.

It's located in the middle of a parking lot at 10401 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda, near the Wildwood Shopping Center.

The charging station allows electric cars to plug in for a quick recharge. Officials said an hour of charging time will yield about 20 miles of travel time for most vehicles.

The 18-foot tall pole facility was manufactured byAdvanced Technology & Research Corp

. of Columbia, Md. It allows two vehicles to charge at a time.

It's one of several charging stations around the state but the only one that's powered by the sun.

It's operated much like a gas pump.  Users swipe a card then plug in.

Right now it's free, but eventually users will pay a fee.

Contact Us