The #24EvChallenge is going for Guinness world record with new network of charging stations

36Lyn-News-MNPollution.jpg

Original article from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 

St. Paul, Minn. — A group of local businesses and electric vehicle owners has the goal of setting a Guinness World Record this weekend by fast-charging 100 plug-in electric vehicles within 24 hours.

A high-speed charging network was just installed in Minnesota with 21 new fast-charging DC stations, 20 of which are in the Twin Cities metro area. At these stations, it takes just 15 minutes to charge a vehicle, giving drivers more flexibility when driving their electric vehicles. The addition of these new charging stations has put the Twin Cities in the top 10 in the nation for fast-charging stations.

At this weekend’s world record attempt — #24EVChallenge — an electric vehicle will be charged every fifteen minutes around the clock. The event will take place at the 36 Lyn Refuel Station, a gas station that has installed a Direct Current (DC) fast charger.

It has never been easier to own or lease an electric vehicle in Minnesota. Leasing an electric car can cost as little as $200 per month, and $25 can buy 1000 miles of driving. The new network of fast charging stations makes it easier for electric vehicle drivers to venture further from home. Fast-charging stations are more efficient than other stations, where it can take up to 4 hours to fully charge a vehicle.

When: Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. to Monday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Where: 36Lyn “refuel” station, 3551 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minn.
What: A 24-hour electric vehicle charging challenge.

  • Vehicle owners will be charging every 15 minutes in an attempt to earn a Guinness World Record for most consecutive cars charged in one event.
  • Galactic Pizza, a business that uses this station to charge their delivery cars, will deliver pizzas to the event every hour.
  • ZEF Energy, the company that installed the charging machines, will demonstrate how they work. Other local electric vehicle companies will provide give-aways.
Lonnie McQuirter