Posts Tagged ‘Charging’

Estonia launches national charging network

Posted by admin on February 20th, 2013

    • Electric car charging network in Estonia
    The electric vehicle charging network in Estonia is operated by ABB. Photograph: Arno Mikkor

    Estonia‘s reputation as one of the most wired-up countries in Europe has been boosted further with the opening of what is being billed as the world’s first nationwide electric car charging network.

    The sparsely populated Baltic state with a population of just 1.3 million hopes the 165 “fast chargers” will overcome the “chicken and egg” problem facing the take-up of electric cars worldwide.

    The network of charging points, which was opened officially on Wednesday but has been running for several months, uses direct current (DC) to charge cars in less than 30 minutes, rather than around eight hours to recharge a car’s battery as is the case with most of the more than 3,000 points in the UK.

    There are believed to be around 650 electric cars in Estonia, more than 500 of which were Mitsubishi i-MiEVs given to social workers by the government in 2011. Motorists can get grants of up to€18,000 (£15,700) off electric cars, compared to the £5,000 cap for the UK’s electric car grant. The average full price for a new electric car is around £30,000.

    Estonia’s minister of the environment, Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, said: “The fact that recharging is so easy is one of the main reasons more and more Estonians will decide in favour of electric cars in future. Our entire transport policy should be based on the notion that environmentally friendly travel is the cheapest and simplest option there is.”

    The charging points are no further than 60km apart, and were paid for by the Estonian government. Whether the push to electric cars will come with environmental benefits, however, remains to be seen: the former Soviet republic gets more than 90% of its electricity from carbon-heavy oil shale.

    Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of discrete automation and motion at ABB, the Swiss company that makes the charging points and won the tender for the network in January 2012, said: “Having a nationwide fast-charging network will encourage motorists to switch to electric vehicles and it will motivate other countries to invest in their own charging infrastructure.”

    The distance electric cars can go between charges was the subject of heated debate in the US media in the last week, following a war of words between the New York Times and US electric car company Tesla Motors over its new Model S car.

    This week the UK government announced it would cover up to 75% of the cost of installing charging points for electric vehicles in garages and driveways.

    Environment news, comment and analysis from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk

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    CALSTART Announces Nationwide Program to Support DOE Pledge and Expand Workplace Charging

    Posted by admin on January 31st, 2013

    WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – Jan 31, 2013) – CALSTART announced a nationwide campaign to expand the number of work places that are electric vehicle friendly and will enable more employers to take part in the Department of Energy’s EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Challenge. The goal of the CALSTART program is to ensure that there is at least one EV charger at a workplace for every three plug-in electric vehicles sold nationally.

    “The new generation of plug-in vehicles offers employers an unprecedented opportunity to step forward and be leaders in the fight to prevent climate change and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil. EV friendly workplaces can make plug-in vehicles practical and affordable. We applaud the DOE’s challenge to employers and hope it will encourage them to take action,” said CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel.

    The Employer Electric Vehicle Initiative (EEVI), to be managed by CALSTART, will be a national campaign to encourage employers to install EV charging stations and take other steps to support the use of electric vehicles by their employees. The EEVI will act a central point of information on best practices and enable facilities managers and sustainability officers to interact and exchange information about the real world and practical issues associated with workplace charging. CALSTART has developed a website to provide information on this campaign: www.evworkplace.org.

    CALSTART is already working with organizations in Ohio, Michigan, and California to educate employers and recruit more employers to join the cause and be part of the campaign. 

    EV drivers are finding that the ability to leave work fully charged is an excellent means to decrease concerns about range. General Motors also reports that workplace charging allows Volt owners to increase the number of all electric miles they drive.

    “Many employers are interested in the concept and want to support employees who buy EV’s, but they want to do it right and at the lowest cost. The EEVI campaign and our website will be an effective means for employers to learn from each other and develop a set of best practices,” Boesel said.

    Among the leading employers to date who are working the EEVI and pursuing workplace charging are: Google, 20th Century Fox, Northrup Grumman, and the California Department of General Services. CALSTART has signed on as an official Ambassador of the DOE Workplace Charging Challenge.

    “Our campaign is targeting one workplace charger for every three plug-in EV’s sold because the number of chargers should keep pace with the over-all growth of the market. Yet, not all plug-in drivers go to work every day, so a one to one ratio is not critical,” said Boesel. If EV’s sales increase at a rate similar to the hybrid cars, that will result in a need for 300,000 workplace chargers by 2017.

    Through its work with employers to date, CALSTART has identified a very high level of enthusiasm, but also questions and issues that arise from the fact that the employer begins to play a role that used to be occupied by a gasoline service station. Among the common issues that arise are about cost. Employers are interested in learning about how much it will cost to install chargers, and also wondering if they should charge for the use of electricity. There are no single answers to any of these questions, and through the EEVI CALSTART is seeking to provide a lot of information about the different paths employers are pursuing, and identifying what’s working best.

    In 2012, CALSTART installed an 84kW solar system that powers its headquarters and provides electricity for four cars on a daily basis. CALSTART is collecting cost and performance data on its system, and will be helping employers who want to take the additional step and make its employees EV’s even better for the environment.

    Employers interested in learning about best practices and becoming part of the EEVI should contact CALSTART’s Jasna Tomic at (626) 744-5695 or [email protected].

    Marketwire – Environment

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    ChargePoint Introduces New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Mobile Application for iPhone and Android

    Posted by admin on December 10th, 2012

    CAMPBELL, Calif.–()–ChargePoint
    today introduced its newest electric vehicle charging
    station mobile application     for all iPhone and Android smart phones.
    With a new user experience and redesigned look, the ChargePoint EV
    charging station app now features all EV charging stations installed in
    the United States, not just those on the ChargePoint network.
    Additionally, EV drivers can now easily identify which stations have
    pricing and exactly how far they are from their location. Available for
    free, the updated ChargePoint EV charging station app also provides EV
    drivers direct access to their social network accounts including
    Facebook and Twitter.

    “ChargePoint is the world’s largest electric vehicle global charging
    network”

    “ChargePoint is the world’s largest electric vehicle global charging
    network,” said Pat Romano, president and CEO of ChargePoint. “One
    feature EV drivers have requested is the ability to navigate, access and
    charge at any electric vehicle charging station, not just those on the
    ChargePoint network. With more than ten thousand EV charging spots on
    the ChargePoint network and thousands more out of the network it is the
    easiest way to find any EV charging station anywhere in North America.”

    ChargePoint provides the industry’s first and only EV charging station
    mobile app that give drivers real-time charging station status, detailed
    station information including pricing and the ability to view your home
    charging station. EV drivers can make EV charging station reservations,
    payments and find location information.

    The ChargePoint EV charging station mobile app allows EV drivers to:

    • Find charging stations near you or near any specified address.
    • Get turn-by-turn directions to charging stations.
    • See the real-time availability of charging stations: Available or In
      Use.
    • Load detailed maps quickly. Drivers can switch between map view and
      list view for simple navigation.
    • Add, remove and recall your favorite places to charge.
    • Create a new ChargePoint account directly from your phone.
    • Start and stop charging sessions directly from your smart phone. (*)
    • Get directions from your current location to where your EV is
      charging. (*)
    • Get status on your current or most recent EV charging session: energy
      used, greenhouse gas savings and charging time. (*)
    • Receive real-time notifications of your current charging session. (*)

    (*) Some features require a free ChargePoint driver account. Visit www.chargepoint.com
    to create your account and sign up for a ChargePoint card.

    To learn more about ChargePoint, visit us at CES
    between January 8-11, 2013 inside the GoElectricDrive Tech Zone, booth
    #2826 (LVCC North Hall).

    About ChargePoint

    ChargePoint is the largest online network of independently owned EV
    charging stations operating in more than 14 countries. ChargePoint
    provides everything an EV station owner needs to deliver turnkey
    electric vehicle charging services in their parking lots. For drivers,
    ChargePoint provides state of the art features including the ability to
    locate reserve and navigate to unoccupied charging stations with online
    tools and mobile applications. ChargePoint locations may be found online
    and are included on the ChargePoint mobile applications for iPhone and
    Android. The ChargePoint Network is open to all charging station
    manufacturers. Stations on ChargePoint are currently dispensing over 812
    Megawatt hours of energy each month, with drivers plugging in for more
    than 4100 charging sessions per day. As an award-winning privately-held
    startup headquartered in Silicon Valley we’re always looking for the
    best talent! If you’re a high-energy, talented professional interested
    in an exciting career opportunity, visit our careers
    page     or send your resume to [email protected].

    Follow ChargePoint on Twitter @chargepointnet.

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    GRIDbot Canada and ERTH Business Technologies Form a Strategic Partnership to Address Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Challenges in British Columbia

    Posted by admin on October 31st, 2012

    VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Oct. 31, 2012) - GRIDbot Canada, a Canadian manufacturer of Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with ERTH Business Technologies Inc. (ERTH) to offer improved economics to proponents of the British Columbia Community Charging Infrastructure Fund (CCIF). Under the strategic partnership, GRIDbot will begin manufacturing a unique charging station for purchasing groups in British Columbia from its current facilities in Eastern Quebec and from a new planned facility in Metro Vancouver. The new station will be available at $ 4,000 for a single port and $ 5,500 for a dual port unit. The selected price point will allow CCIF proponents to fully benefit from the maximum $ 4,000 rebate per cord set available under the CCIF.

    The new stations will be delivered ready to connect to the Plug-n-Ride Network developed by ERTH to process province-wide financial transactions, data management and reporting, and the recording of carbon reductions for the development of carbon credits for all electric vehicle users both individually and collectively. Stations connected to the Plug-n-Ride Network will be upgradable at a later date to fully make use of vehicle to grid (V2G) capabilities. GRIDbot is a global market leader in V2G technology with bidirectional charging stations and bidirectional chargers onboard EVs.

    V2G will allow vehicles to optimally exchange power with the electricity grid, providing grid-storage benefits in addition to the electric vehicle (EV) transportation benefits of fuel and maintenance savings. The energy storage benefits of grid-interconnected EVs are expected to be used for local peak demand reduction and grid ancillary services. The installation of the new upgradable GRIDbot stations will allow British Columbia to be the first jurisdiction worldwide to deploy public V2G stations in support of a Smart Grid.

    The new Level 2 stations will have a distinct colour and logo indicating their connections to the Plug-n-Ride Network and their V2G capabilities. Installation of the new stations will begin by mid-December 2012 and will be completed by March 31, 2013. GRIDbot’s new Level 3 (Fast DC Chargers) using the new global fast charging standard SAE J1772 combo-connector interface between the charger and EV, enabling power flow and communications in a single wired connection, will also be available in the early part of 2013. The SAE J1772 combo-connector standard has been endorsed by the majority of global automotive manufacturers and is expected to be available within a year on a variety of electric vehicles.

    “We are very excited about being able to provide B.C. purchasing groups with « V2G Ready » charging stations using industry-standard hardware coupled with ERTH’s EV Ecosystem,” stated Éric Tessier, Vice President Business Development at GRIDbot International. “V2G capabilities will improve the economic viability of electric vehicles by providing low-cost grid storage that will also facilitate higher penetration of intermittent renewable energy resources.”

    About GRIDbot Canada

    GRIDbot is a Canadian manufacturer of home and commercial Level 2 and Level 3 EV supply equipment. GRIDbot designs, manufactures and deploys municipal, commercial and multi-residential charging infrastructures, and offers a global solution for the networking of electric vehicles as a global V2G aggregator. Its unique V2G and vehicle to home (V2H) technologies makes it a leader in this future technology.

    About ERTH Business Technologies

    ERTH Business Technologies Inc. is an operating subsidiary of ERTH Corporation formed in 2001 through the consolidation of SPI Group Inc., a leading provider of services to North American electricity, water and gas markets, including the development and operation of Ontario’s largest electricity clearinghouse and Ecaliber Inc., a front-line provider of business services to North American electricity markets. ERTH develops, integrates and supports infrastructure software applications in electronic business transactions for electricity and gas market participants including small and large utilities in regulated and deregulated markets, energy marketers, manufacturers and solution providers.

    Marketwire – Environment

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    Central Indiana Pilot Project with Toyota, Duke Energy, Energy Systems Network Envisions Common Standard between Plug-in Cars, Charging Stations and Utilities

    Posted by admin on August 22nd, 2012

    INDIANAPOLIS–()–As plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) continue to gain consumer acceptance and market share, automotive companies, utilities and charging equipment providers are collaborating on common standards to seamlessly align vehicles, charging stations and the power grid. Toyota Motor Corporation’s new pilot project in central Indiana will begin to answer the question of how best to manage plug-in vehicle charging based on integrated communication between the vehicle and the electric power grid, taking advantage of the region’s existing efforts deploying plug-in vehicles as part of the ‘Project Plug-IN’ initiative.

    “Through Project Plug-IN, the Indianapolis region has been a national leader in the deployment and monitoring of plug-in vehicles with typical consumers, gathering data and taking steps towards making the ‘electric commute’ a truly practical alternative for more Americans”

    Toyota is partnering with Duke Energy and Energy Systems Network (ESN), the non-profit industry initiative that leads Project Plug-IN, for this effort. The pilot project will use advanced technologies to give customers the ability to achieve their own personal charging strategy automatically – for example, minimize electricity costs by communicating with the utility company to recharge during off-peak periods.

    The project aims to test and validate the effectiveness of communication standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to provide a simple and affordable smart grid communication protocol between the vehicle, the charging station, and the utility company – to effectively manage vehicle charging. Additionally, the project plans to develop appropriate business processes and standards to most effectively manage charging to the benefit of the customer, utility and vehicle systems.

    The pilot project will involve 5 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles driven by Duke Energy customers living in the Indianapolis area. These customers will drive the cars regularly during the pilot period, which is expected to begin in early 2013 and last for at least 12 months.

    “Through Project Plug-IN, the Indianapolis region has been a national leader in the deployment and monitoring of plug-in vehicles with typical consumers, gathering data and taking steps towards making the ‘electric commute’ a truly practical alternative for more Americans,” said ESN President & CEO Paul Mitchell. “We’re pleased to extend this effort through the partnership with Toyota and Duke Energy, to help our vehicles, charging infrastructure and utilities speak the same language for the benefit of consumers.”

    Toyota will provide a UL certified home charging station and a home gateway communication system to be installed in each customer’s home, allowing the vehicle and the ‘smart grid’ equipment to communicate with each other to evaluate billing and power supply control. Duke Energy will simulate price structures and demand response events to understand the impact to the customer’s bill and understand how these types of programs can aid in grid reliability as plug-ins become more prominent. The pilot will employ the use of Homeplug Green PHY, a Power Line communication standard that is based on SAE technical standard J2931, and utilizes ISO/IEC standard which has been announced by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) as the European standard beginning in 2017. This method allows the sharing of data collected in a home network between the plug-in vehicle and the utility. Toyota Info Technology Center, U.S.A., Inc.; Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. support this project as the suppliers of the Level 2 EVSE and communication systems.

    Toyota hopes to gain technological insight to perfect future vehicle iterations for its customers as well as for the overall advancement of the plug-in vehicle industry. “Smart charging through two-way communication with utilities will not only be a benefit to the customers, but is crucial for the promotion of transportation electrification,” said Edward J. Mantey, VP, Vehicle Planning & Corporate Strategy, Toyota Technical Center.

    Each Duke Energy customer will use the vehicle communication system to monitor and manage their optimized charging using a mobile software application provided by Toyota for the pilot project. Data collected from the vehicles and EVSEs will be aggregated and maintained securely, protecting all personal information. Surveys will be administered in order to gather qualitative data on customer experience and behavior related to the pilot project.

    “These pilots are key to understanding what electric vehicle owners expect from their charging experience which assists Duke Energy in maintaining overall grid reliability while minimizing costs for all customers,” said David Mohler, VP, Emerging Technologies for Duke Energy. “Standardized communications between vehicle, charging infrastructure and utility is critical to advancing the plug-in vehicle industry and we are excited about being a partner in this project.”

    Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a not-for-profit, industry-driven economic initiative focused on the development of the clean technology sector. ESN provides project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members who are seeking to bring new energy technologies, products or applications to market. ESN member institutions provide industry expertise across the energy spectrum, including Fortune 500 and global leaders collaborating on projects totaling nearly $ 1 billion in investment. Among several other initiatives, ESN and its partners developed Project Plug-IN – a commercial scale pilot of plug-in electric vehicles and smart grid technology working together to demonstrate an energy efficient transportation system solution. It aims to develop, deploy, demonstrate, market and evaluate a range of plug-in vehicles powered by an integrated charging infrastructure located in homes, businesses and parking facilities. To date ESN has coordinated the deployment of more than 125 electric vehicles to public and private fleets as well as consumers and installed of nearly 200 charging stations across the Indianapolis region. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com.

    About Duke Energy

    Duke Energy is the largest electric power companies in the United States with more than $ 97 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.1 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

    Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at www.duke-energy.com.

    About Toyota Motor Corporation

    Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiaries sold over 7.3 million cars, trucks and buses worldwide under the Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino brands in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The company manufactures vehicles and parts in 26 countries and regions around the world and sells them in approximately 170 countries and locations. Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its U.S. investment is currently valued at more than $ 18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. In an effort to develop the vehicles and technologies of the future, Toyota’s R&D is far reaching and includes investing more than $ 1 million an hour globally in areas such as vehicle safety, quality and sustainability. While Toyota remains committed to hybrids as the core of its environmental technology, their sustainable mobility strategy is far-reaching and incorporates products, partnerships, the urban environment and energy solutions. Toyota is slated to bring multiple plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles to market by 2012. Key elements of plug-in vehicle expertise at Toyota are housed in the advanced product strategy & product planning group at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. This group oversees the development of new concepts and strategies for future Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota Info Technology Center U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Toyota in Mountain View, California responsible for developing advanced technologies.

    Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50384778&lang=en

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    EV Charging Initiative for Employers Kicks Off in California

    Posted by admin on July 31st, 2012

    Statewide Effort to Get Employer Support for Electric Vehicles Launches With Workshop at Google HQ

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA–(Marketwire – Jul 31, 2012) – Held at Google’s Mountain View Campus, CALSTART today hosted a workshop aimed at bringing electric vehicle charging infrastructure to workplaces throughout the state. Keynoted by high-level U.S. Department of Energy representatives, David Sandalow, Acting Undersecretary of Energy and Asst. Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, and Dr. David Danielson, Asst. Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the event served as the starting point for what CALSTART aims to make a nationwide campaign to engage employers in the effort to expand the electric vehicle market.

    “More than 30% of emissions in the US happen due to daily commuters driving gasoline-powered cars,” said CALSTART President and CEO, John Boesel. “Employers can serve as the ‘cavalry’ of the EV movement. By installing chargers at the workplace, employers can help extend the effective daily range of an electric vehicle. Electricity is a new fuel that is particularly easy for an employer to support. We are excited about the many employers who want to be leaders in the effort to clean our air and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.”

    By implementing EV programs in the workplace, employers are supporting the EV industry by doing the following:

    • Extending the effective range of EV’s by allowing a second full charge during work hours;
    • Acting as “showrooms” where employees can see cars being driven to work and learn about them from their colleagues;

    The new CALSTART program launched today, The EV Employer Initiative, is focused on supporting existing firms who want to expand their workplace charging efforts, and help other firms learn about the best practices and ways to implement such programs. 

    As EV infrastructure is being developed in the state, workplace charging was identified as a critical gap in infrastructure by Bay Area Air Quality Management District, South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Plug-in Vehicle Collaborative, initial funders of the CALSTART program. The goal of the program will be to rapidly expand the number of employer-based EV chargers and programs. 

    Leading firms such as Google, SAP, and Disney have learned a lot about how to cost-effectively implement workplace charging programs. Rather than having each employer “reinvent the wheel,” the CALSTART EV Employer Initiative will enable companies to share information and quickly adopt best practices. 

    In addition, the CALSTART program will help employers learn about the real world costs of implementing chargers, how to avoid peak-time electricity rates, and the potential for adding clean distributed energy on-site as a way to reduce the wells-to-wheels emissions of electric vehicles.

    The non-profit, headquartered in Pasadena, unveiled its own 84kw solar installation that meets 90% of its building’s daily electricity needs, including charging four or more electric cars on a daily basis. For more information visit: http://www.calstart.org/Projects/CALSTART-Solar-Project.aspx

    Employers throughout the nation are encouraged to participate in the EV Employer Initiative. A new website for the program, www.evworkplace.org, is under development and will be functioning soon. For immediate information on how to participate, employers should contact CALSTART’s Whitney Pitkanen, at (626) 744-5609 or [email protected].

    About CALSTART
     CALSTART works nationally to advance the clean transportation technology industry. CALSTART spurs the growth of the industry through a variety of programs benefitting its 150+ member companies. For more information visit: www.calstart.org

    Marketwire – Environment

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    350Green Announces First Public Retail Fast Charging Station in State of California, at Stanford Shopping Center

    Posted by admin on April 7th, 2012

    Palo Alto’s Stanford Shopping Center First of 25 Fast Chargers Planned for Bay Area to Increase Speed, Convenience of Charging

    PALO ALTO, CA–(Marketwire – Apr 5, 2012) – 350Green, a developer of electric vehicle (EV) charging station networks, announced today the first public retail fast charging station in the State of California. The fast charger is located at the Stanford Shopping Center, part of Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG), the world’s leading retail real estate company. The company also announced plans to install 24 additional public fast chargers at multiple high-traffic retail locations throughout the Bay Area, for a total of 25 stations. A fast charger can fully charge an electric car in under 30 minutes.

    “We’re excited to be the first in the state to offer our shoppers the fastest charging option available,” said John Benvenuto, Mall Manager, Stanford Shopping Center. “This reinforces the commitment to sustainability and convenience that our customers in the Bay Area have come to expect from us as a reflection of their values.”

    “Fast chargers make a big impact on an electric car driver’s mobility,” said Mariana Gerzanych, 350Green’s co-founder and CEO. “By installing this first of many fast chargers throughout the Bay Area, we are helping to make it as easy and convenient to charge your EV as going to the cash machine or gas station.”

    Starting today, shoppers at the Stanford Shopping Center will be able to choose between using the new fast charger (located in the Lower Level Parking deck off Quarry Road, between Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s) or one of the existing 350Green Level 2 chargers (located in the Lower Level Parking Deck off Orchard Lane between Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s).

    The fast charger unveiled today was funded in part by a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) as part of its “Spare the Air” program. This program also aims to make driving an electric vehicle in the Bay Area a viable option for individuals. The installation of all 25 fast chargers is scheduled to be complete by the fall of 2012. The chargers are made by Efacec USA, Inc., an electric vehicle charging station manufacturer and Smart Grid solutions provider. The City of Palo Alto and installer John Ryan Company, Inc., also helped make the first fast charger possible.

    Before charging an electric car with one of the 350Green’s fast-chargers, drivers must purchase a payment card from 350Green (www.350Green.com/card). The $ 21 card includes three 30-minute sessions good for use at the fast charging stations. Alternately, drivers can “top off” at one of the two Level 2 stations in one to two hours for free for an introductory time period, after which 350Green will offer various pricing plans.

    About 350Green
    350Green is a project developer that designs, builds and operates scalable networks of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the US. The company distributes its stations by partnering with retail hosts at select, high-traffic shopping centers and other places near where EV drivers live and work, to create an expansive and convenient network of EV charging locations. Current projects totaling several hundred chargers are underway in Chicago, the State of Pennsylvania, and the San Francisco Bay Area. More information on 350Green and its projects can be found at its website, www.350green.com.

    About Simon Property Group
    Simon Property Group, Inc., (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world. The company currently owns or has an interest in 337 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 245 million square feet, as well as a 29 percent interest in Klépierre, a publicly-traded French REIT with a portfolio of approximately 270 shopping centers in 13 countries in Europe. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and employs approximately 5,500 people in the US. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

    Marketwire – Environment

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    ABB Signs Licensing Agreement With ECOtality to Utilize the Blink® EV Charging Network

    Posted by admin on March 14th, 2012

    ZURICH–()–ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today announced
    it has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with ECOtality,
    Inc.     (NASDAQ:ECTY),
    a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, to
    utilize ECOtality’s Blink® Network for ABB’s electric vehicle (EV)
    charging systems.

    The Blink Network is a robust operating platform that enables EV
    charging providers to integrate with utilities and other third parties
    to facilitate data exchange, utility services, energy management, media
    communications, and membership and payment programs. The Blink Network
    provides EV drivers the freedom to travel as they choose and
    conveniently charge at Blink enabled commercial locations along the way.

    Concurrently, ABB made a follow-on investment in ECOtality of $ 5 million
    in the form of convertible debt. This investment follows the $ 14 million
    venture capital investment ABB made in the company in 2011. ABB’s EV
    infrastructure portfolio was strengthened last year following the
    acquisition of Netherlands-based Epyon, an early leader in electric
    vehicle charging infrastructure solutions, including DC fast charging
    systems and associated back-office systems which can be connected to
    various Business-to-Consumer service platforms such as the Blink Network.

    About ECOtality, Inc.

    ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY), headquartered in San Francisco,
    California, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage
    technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic
    partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced
    electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels. For more
    information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.

    About ABB

    ABB (www.abb.com)
    is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and
    industry customers to improve their performance while lowering
    environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100
    countries and employs about 135,000 people.

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    Mitsubishi Motors North America Adds AeroVironment’s Turnkey Electric Vehicle Charging Station and Installation Solution to its Integrated EV Offering

    Posted by admin on February 24th, 2012

    CYPRESS, Calif. & MONROVIA, Calif.–()–Mitsubishi
    Motors North America, Inc.     (MMNA) and AeroVironment,
    Inc.     (NASDAQ: AVAV), an authority in electric vehicle (EV)
    infrastructure solutions, today announced AeroVironment’s selection as
    an additional authorized and approved nationwide supplier of EV home
    charging systems, on-site installation services and support for the
    all-new 100 percent electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i, providing
    drivers safe and reliable indoor/outdoor home charging and the ability
    to start everyday fully charged.

    “AeroVironment and Mitsubishi
    Motors share a vision where EV drivers enjoy a positive transportation
    experience that includes a full ‘tank’ at the start of every day. We
    look forward to working with Mitsubishi Motors to achieve that vision.”

    AeroVironment’s turnkey solution includes its UL-listed home charging
    station, permit acquisition, installation, customer training, 24/7
    customer service and a leading three-year warranty on both parts and
    installation labor. With a single telephone call, EV drivers can order
    their charging station and schedule its installation from AeroVironment,
    a pioneer in the electric transportation industry for more than 20 years.

    “The AeroVironment EVSE-RS Level 2 electric vehicle charging system is
    an easy-to-use, reliable and safe option for Mitsubishi i owners to use
    for charging their brand-new EVs in their own homes,” said Yoichi
    Yokozawa, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
    “AeroVironment has consistently delivered excellent and innovative EV
    products and services that cover every step of the purchase and
    installation process.”

    Mitsubishi Motors is waiving the $ 99.99 site consultation for the first
    2,000 customers to pre-order the 2012 Mitsubishi i until April 19, 2012.
    The on-site home consultation includes an analysis of current electrical
    wiring capacity, recommended station placement and a full breakdown of
    activities and costs related to installing an electric refueling system.
    AeroVironment’s trained and certified installers secure necessary
    permits, take into account specific homeowners’ and renters’ unique
    requests and account for both electrical and building requirements in
    local areas. Customers can schedule their site consultation by calling
    the dedicated AeroVironment/Mitsubishi Motors reservation hotline at
    866-732-3219 or through an online portal, that will be accessible
    through the Mitsubishi i website.

    “Automotive manufacturers like Mitsubishi are blazing new trails in
    clean transportation and delivering EVs that are more accessible to a
    wider population of drivers,” said Tim Conver, President and Chief
    Executive Officer, AeroVironment, Inc. “AeroVironment and Mitsubishi
    Motors share a vision where EV drivers enjoy a positive transportation
    experience that includes a full ‘tank’ at the start of every day. We
    look forward to working with Mitsubishi Motors to achieve that vision.”

    AeroVironment delivers a full portfolio of EV charging systems that fit
    a wide range of consumer lifestyles and driving patterns – including
    solutions for the home, work, highway, and retail establishments. The
    Level 2 home charging station connects to a 240-volt line and is capable
    of recharging a fully depleted Mitsubishi i battery in approximately 7
    hours. Additional AeroVironment charging solutions include a standard
    plug-in AC cord set (Level 1), a Level 2 connected or “smart” system for
    home and business use and DC fast chargers that can charge a completely
    empty main lithium-ion battery pack of a 2012 Mitsubishi i to 80 percent
    full in less than 30 minutes.

    The 2012 Mitsubishi i is the most affordably-priced all-electric vehicle
    available to the mass market in America and features distinctive
    exterior styling, competent handling and a surprisingly roomy interior
    that comfortably seats four adults.

    About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all
    manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for
    Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles,
    sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400
    dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric
    vehicle Mitsubishi i as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers
    more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This
    battery-powered electric vehicle technology addresses the need for
    vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing
    agenda for sustainability. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi
    Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

    About AeroVironment, Inc.

    AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops,
    produces and supports an advanced portfolio of electric transportation
    solutions and electric-powered Unmanned
    Aircraft Systems     (UAS). AeroVironment’s comprehensive EV
    charging solutions     include EV home charging, public charging, fast
    charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete
    installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers,
    utilities, government agencies and businesses. AeroVironment’s industrial
    fast charging systems     support thousands of electric materials
    handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500
    enterprises. AeroVironment’s power
    cycling and test systems     provide EV developers and EV battery
    manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities.
    Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services
    use the company’s battery-powered, hand-launched
    unmanned aircraft systems     to provide situational awareness to
    tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance,
    surveillance and communication. More information is available at www.avinc.com
    and www.evsolutions.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking
    statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation
    Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current
    expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and
    uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive,
    governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may
    cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from
    those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to
    differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are
    not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and
    obtain additional contracts; changes in the regulatory environment; the
    activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to
    grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new
    products or integrate new technology with current products; and general
    economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in
    the world. For a further list and description of such risks and
    uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any
    forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
    future events or otherwise.

    Additional AeroVironment News: http://avinc.com/resources/news/
    AeroVironment
    Media Gallery: http://avinc.com/media_gallery/ev_charging/
    Like
    us: www.facebook.com/pages/AeroVironmentEV/165341556870732
    Follow
    us: www.twitter.com/AeroVironmentEV

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    Business Wire Environment News

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    Public consultation on introduction of waste charging to strengthen waste reduction

    Posted by admin on January 10th, 2012


    Public views invited on introduction of charging to reduce waste
    ***********************************************************


         The Environment Bureau (ENB) today (January 10) launched a three-month public consultation on the introduction of charging as an economic means to reduce the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Members of the public are welcome to give their views before the consultation period ends on April 10.

         The consultation document gives an overview of waste management in Hong Kong, and also outlines the international experience in waste charging and key considerations for the implementation of such a scheme in Hong Kong.

         The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said that to tackle the imminent waste problem facing Hong Kong, the Government has devised a sustainable waste management strategy adopting a multi-pronged approach, including a basket of measures to reduce and recycle waste and the development of modern waste treatment facilities.  

         ”Reduction at source remains the most effective way of dealing with the waste problem,” he said.

          Making reference to the successful experience of certain cities, he noted that the introduction of waste charging can create an incentive, prompting the public to change their daily living habits by reducing their waste generation and separating waste at source, hence substantially reducing the amount of waste for final treatment.

         At present, Hong Kong generates 19 000 tonnes of MSW per day. The overall recovery rate of MSW in Hong Kong reached 52 per cent in 2010. Due to the large amount of waste generated, about 9 100 tonnes of MSW is still disposed of at the landfills every day, of which two thirds is domestic waste. The per capita MSW generation in 2010 was 2.69 kg per day, up by about 11 per cent from 2.42 kg per day in 2005. This is a trend that should not be overlooked.

         ”International experiences show that waste charging can achieve different degrees of reduction in waste disposal, but successful implementation requires a basket of complementary measures. I hope the public consultation will enable the community to decide on a broad direction for waste charging, and on this basis we may proceed to further deliberations on various key aspects,” Mr Yau added.

         In January 2011, the Government announced a comprehensive waste management strategy titled “Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste Management”. Various waste reduction and recycling measures under an action plan were put in place with positive results.

         The consultation document on waste charging has been uploaded to the Environment Protection Department (EPD) website (www.epd.gov.hk). Members of the public can also obtain the document from the EPD and District Offices. The public may forward their views by post, e-mail or facsimile within the consultation period.


    Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2012
    Issued at HKT 16:32

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    Environmental Protection Department – Highlights

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