ElectricVehicleChargingStation
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Audi, GM, others unite on 20-minute EV charging standard for green drivers in a rush
Fast-charging an EV isn't new in itself, but deciding on a standard for it is. Which is why we're glad to hear that Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to a common format for their EV charging ports, the not-very-elegantly-titled DC Fast Charging with a Combined Charging System. Together, the automakers are promising a consistent way to power up a car within 15 to 20 minutes, all without breaking a current Type 1 AC charging implementation. The new format will be demoed at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles starting May 6. Just be aware that your first-generation Focus Electric won't be certain to use the newly universal technology: the first cars to tout the new plug won't be at dealerships until 2013, and the European vehicle association ACEA is only guaranteeing that charging stations on the continent will be using the DC Fast Charging system by 2017. Check after the break for a further look at the port.
Coulomb's CT500 EV charging station now available for residential use
Coulomb Technologies has already managed to get thousands of its electric vehicle charging stations installed across the US (and beyond), but it's now looking to grab an even larger footprint -- it's just announced that its CT500 Level II ChargePoint Networked Charging Station is available for residential use. That will give you a 7.2 kw output and full compatibility Leviton's Evr-Green EVSE "plug-and-play" pre-wiring kit for a supposedly easy installation -- and, of course, an industry standard SAE J1772 connector to accommodate a whole range of electric vehicles. No word on pricing, but you can contact the Coulomb distributor nearest you (there's nine in the US at the moment) for a quote and any additional information you might need. Full press release is after the break.
Coulomb gets in an Empire State of mind, switches on NYC's first public EV charging station
Big Apple residents, get ready to rock the H to the O-V lane in your EV, because downtown recharging just got a little bit easier. Coulomb has dropped one of its ChargePoint stations in a parking lot near the Port Authority. It's just the first of 100 hitting the city and 4,600 coming to other major metropolitan areas around the US by September of next year. And, unlike other NYC-based charging stations, you can use this one. Parking is even free for customers, amazingly, but you'll need to sign up for an account to get access to that sweet 120 and 240V current. Even recharging won't cost you a penny -- but only for a month. After that the fees start. Sadly, even when saving the planet only the first one is free.
