On Sunday, Sept. 23, Plug-In America and Mitsubishi of North America jointly held the Orange County National Plug-In Day at the Mitsubishi headquarters at 6400 Katella Ave. in Cypress.
Cypress Mayor Douglas A. Bailey was in attendance to celebrate the benefits of plug-in cars.
Mitsubishi Motors of North America produces its own brand of electric car, known as the all-electric i-MiEV. Cypress is the beta site for the entire Orange County area having the first solar powered charging station for the new i-MiEV.
Mitsubishi graciously offered free charging during the event, and indicated that electric car owners are always welcome to use their station free of charge. The charging system utilizes renewable solar power, thus providing an opportunity for Mitsubishi to contribute to the use of renewable energy sources with minimal cost.
Plug In America is a coalition of RAV4-EV drivers, former lessees of Honda EV+, GM EV1, Ford Ranger and Ford Th!nk City electric cars, and advocates of energy independence and clean air.
Prior to 2008, the organization functioned as a loose network of individuals organized around various websites like dontcrush.com and saveEV1.com. The group then coalesced into a chapter of the Electric Auto Association. On January 2, 2008, Plug In America became a separate California non-profit corporation, receiving 501(c)(3) public charity status in August 2008.