Duke Energy Ohio partnered with the Cincinnati Park Board to build four electric and plug-in hybrid car charging stations in the Sawyer Point parking lot.

The stations were unveiled at a ceremony on Friday.

"Thank you to Duke Energy for this latest example of public-private partnerships that the Cincinnati Park Board is committed to in order to enhance our communities. The excitement along the Cincinnati riverfront is a prime example of 'Parkenomics' - ways that renovating and creating thriving parks in urban areas can stimulate the economic growth of a region," Willie Carden Jr., director of Cincinnati Parks, said in a statement.

The stations will be available to drivers seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Car owners will not pay for their use outside the regular parking rate, which is typically $4.

Free daily parking passes are being offered to the first four electric vehicle owners who sign up for them.

The charging stations are the first publicly owned free charging stations in Cincinnati. The Level 2 PEP dual charging stations have touch screens and work with both all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Article by Erin Fischesser, Business Courier