Three New Hampshire cities are joining a Northeast network to promote small businesses within walking distance of electric vehicle charging stations.
More than 100 businesses across seven states are part of the project, called Destination Electric. Nearly half those businesses are in New Hampshire - mostly in Portsmouth, along with Dover and Nashua.
The list includes coffee shops, restaurants, galleries and cultural spots, like the Strawbery Banke museum.
Portsmouth City Councilor Josh Denton says most EV charging now takes place at drivers’ homes – so the project is designed to show drivers they can take their vehicles out to shop, eat and charge on the road.
Most of Portsmouth's existing chargers are in city garages, and Denton says more are in the works.
EV sales have risen steadily in New Hampshire in recent years, but they still make up only about 1 % of the total market.
