Where to Charge Electric Cars in Montclair

What good is an electric vehicle charging station if a gas-powered car parks in the space?

That unfortunately has been the case in Montclair, where there are EV Charging Stations in two municipal parking lots — the ones behind the Bellevue movie theater in Upper Montclair and the North Fullerton parking deck next to the YMCA in Montclair Center. 

To solve the problem, the Township Council approved Tuesday night the Parking Advisory Committee's recommendation to designate the spaces as "electric car" only.

Concerned that parking spaces are at a premium in Upper Montclair, First Ward Councilor William Hurlock questioned whether there was a demand for the spaces. Hurlock asked the designation be done on a trial basis. 

In response, Township Manager Marc Dashield said use of the spaces would be monitored. 

On Wednesday, a white BMW ActiveE was charging at one of the two stations in Upper Montclair. 

The station works much like a gas station. A long cord, rather than a hose, extends to the car's "outlet", located where you'd expect a gas tank to be. The driver pays for the electricity with a credit card.

Montclair Deputy Mayor Bob Russo was in favor of designating the spots for electric cars only, adding his next car will likely be electric. 

"This is the future," Russo said. "It really is the future."

Nauna's Bella Casa on Valley Road installed two electric charging stations in its private parking lot last summer.