A electric vehicle gets a recharge at the Brightfield Station in Asheville.

The alternative energy company BioWheels Responsible Transportation Solutions on Dec. 12 unveiled its Brightfield charging station in the parking lot of the Asheville Public Works building on Charlotte Street.

Despite chilly, blustery weather, about 80 people huddled around to hear speeches by local officials and business leaders, extolling the project, after which a ceremonial ribbon was cut.

Stan Cross — and his BioWheels partners Matt Johnson and Patrick Sherwin — welcomed the crowd, noting that they believed in “sustainability, environmental justice” and “a desirable future.”

In stating that the region “is well on its way to driving on sunshine,” Cross called the Brightfield charging station a “first of its kind” in the area.

Cross said the project was supported by a $376,000 federal stimulus grant that was funneled through the North Carolina Green Business Fund. He called it “an example” of what can be achieved by a company, such as BioWheels, working with Asheville, Buncombe County and UNC Asheville.

By the end of 2014, he said about 2,000 electric vehicles are expected to be operating on the roads in and around Asheville.

To that end, he said the region will need to install some 900 public charging stations to serve those drivers. He added that making the stations solar could save 43,000 barrels of oil and reduce greenhouse gases by 80,000 tons.

Cross also said the EV industry — locally — could create 1,500 “quality” jobs, and save $2 million fuel dollars in the community.

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, who helped to obtain the stimulus grant, said there are “three positives” he sees in the project, including reducing greenhouse emissions, creating jobs and the pride in it being “made in America. We have innovation and creation.”

Shuler added, “Everybody has worked together to make this possible ... Cleaner air to beath, cleaner water to drink. Thank you, BioWheels, for leading the way. Thanks to Asheville, for leading the way.”

Next, Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy introduced as “an infrastructure partner,” recognized two City Council members present — Cecil Bothwell and Chris Pelly.

Further, Bellamy said, “I’d also be remiss if I didn’t congratulate former council members Brownie (Newman) and Holly (Jones) for challenging the city to reduce its carbon emissions by 80 percent.

Regarding the charging station, she said, “This is the first in Asheville ... Today is a big to-do for the City of Asheville. It shows what we can do,” working together in partnership with BioWheels, the city, the county and UNCA.

Scott Hamilton, chief executive officer of Advantage West, said he was “proud to be here ... It’s a great project. Over $3 billion leaves North Carolina to purchase energy. This shows we can create quality jobs here.”

Next, Dale Carroll, state deputy secretary of commerce, said that the rate of entrepreneurship in North Carolina “exceeds the average in the United States.” What’s more, he said, “The rate of entrepreneurship in Western North Carolina exceeds the average in North Carolina,” prompting a cheer from the crowd.

“So we know we’ve going to be successful here,” Carroll said.

He added, “You know, Gov. (Bev) Perdue was the champion of the Green Bussiness Fund ... This project is part of 360 such projects in North Carolina funded by $100 million in recovery funds.”

Carroll concluded by saying, “On behalf of the governor, congratulations.” To Shuler, he quipped, “Congressman, we may need to take one of these cars down the road.” Shuler and many in the crowd laughed at Carroll’s levity.

During a question-and-answer session after the speeches, Cross and his partners said that, on average, one would spend about $4 to go 100 miles in an EV, versus $14 to $15 to travel 100 miles in a gas vehicle.

Cross also noted that, for the first two years, there will be no charge for anyone to use the Brightfield recharging station.

Somone asked how far one can travel on a fully charged electric vehicle.

“One hundred miles” in a Nissan Leaf or other all-electric vehicle, Cross said. and 30 miles on the battery in a Chevy Volt, after which the gas engine would power the vehicle.