Thanks to support from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and Adopt-a-Charger, the Getty was able to install 12 Level Two electric vehicle charges and 12 120V receptacles at the Getty Center, for sixteen EV-only spaces, and four Level Two electric vehicle chargers and two 120V receptacles at the Getty Villa, for eight EV-only spaces. Level Two chargers can fully charge an electric vehicle in four to six hours. Both sites can also accommodate additional electric vehicles at the 120V receptacles, which take longer to fully charge. Electric vehicle charging is available to visitors on a first-come basis, free of charge.
“We’re grateful for the support of our partners in helping us further our commitment to sustainability,” said James Cuno, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust. “We want to encourage electric vehicle drivers to visit the Getty Center and the Getty Villa, knowing that they will be able to charge their cars while they enjoy their day.”
“The Getty has always been a special destination for me. I am excited to add to the existing sustainability efforts by installing EV chargers for visitors and employees,” said Kitty Adams, executive director of Adopt-a-Charger, a nonprofit organization that accelerates the widespread adoption of plug-in vehicles through the proliferation of public, fee-free electric car chargers, which are “adopted” by sponsors. “I am grateful to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the South Coast Air Quality Management District for providing support for this initiative.”
“In order to achieve clean air for everyone in our region, we need more drivers to transition to near-zero and zero-emission electric vehicles,” said Barry R. Wallerstein, SCAQMD’s executive officer. “It is our hope that more businesses and Southland destinations follow Getty’s lead and support drivers making the switch to cleaner vehicles.”
LADWP Senior Assistant General Manager of the Power System David Wright said, “As part of our commitment to transforming our City’s power supply, we are pleased to bring EV charging to an L.A. landmark like the Getty. It will help raise awareness of the important role electric vehicles play in creating a sustainable future for Los Angeles.”
The electric vehicle charging stations are the latest in many environmentally conscious measures the Getty has undertaken over the years. Since its opening in 1997, the Getty has cut its water use by 50 percent. Electricity consumption is down by 25 percent since 2007, and the Getty Center diverts 75 percent of its waste from landfills, while the Getty Villa diverts 85 percent.
“The Getty has long been committed to sustainability in its operations, and we know environmental stewardship is important to our visitors as well,” said Cuno. “We hope the electric charging stations will encourage electric vehicle drivers to extend their range and come to the Getty.”