Bellevue can now service any electric vehicle with the recent installation of a Tesla supercharging station in the parking lot of Atkinsons’ Market. The stations were still behind fencing Sunday, and no officials were around to confirm the grand opening, but drivers of electricity-hungry cars took notice.
Marko Teullet is a Tesla owner from Bellevue who also works at Atkinsons’ Market there, where the charger stand lives. He said the network of Tesla and electric car owners are lit up at the news of the newest charge station.
“Lots of people all over Idaho are excited about this one,” he said of the station at the gateway city to the Valley. “That spot is the perfect spot for surrounding businesses and has good lighting. Most superchargers are usually the dark behind a motel and they don’t allow you to use the restrooms.”
Teullet see this as a boon to visitors who want to dine and charge in one stop. Note that charging is not free, but it is efficient.
“Most people think it takes hours to charge, it takes usually 20 to 40 minutes, it charges faster than it takes a family to eat at a fast food restaurant. He noted that it can cost between 38 and 52 cents a kilowatt depending on the location.
There is an idle fee if the car is left on the charger and you don’t move it, he said. So patrons will likely have to repark mid-meal or shop stop.
Teullet charges his at home for about $10 a month, but utilizes one in Boise and would like to see the next one in Stanley.
