Howard County Executive Ken Ulman pulled into a Columbia charging station with less than 800 miles on the car he was driving.

He didn't need a fill-up because the car – Howard County's latest addition – is a 2012 Chevy VOLT gas-electric hybrid.

The station Ulman pulled into is the county's first charging station for what Ulman said he hopes will become a growing population of electric-capable vehicles.

“These charging stations represent our strong commitment to protecting the environment through cost-saving measures, a win-win for both county government and our residents,” said Ulman, introducing the new car and station near the Thomas Dorsey Building on Bendix Road in Columbia.  

“Howard County continues to be a leader in environmental sustainability and we are actively involving and working with the community to increase education and awareness about growing green practices,” Ulman said.

The charging station, which features five 240-volt outlets is free of charge for employees and residents of Howard County. The county received the station from the Baltimore Electric Vehicle Initiative, which was funded through a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration.

“BEVI is very excited about Howard County’s leadership in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Jill Sorensen, executive director of BEVI. “Howard County has a clear track record in greening the county and continues to be a leader in paving the way for electric vehicle readiness statewide.”

According to county officials, the Chevy VOLT cost $40,000 out of a vehicle purchasing budget and will be used by inspectors from the county’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits and can run on either electricity, gasoline or both.