Electric transport specialist ECOtality yesterday unveiled plans for an electric car charging network in the US city of Phoenix.
The plans, which are the latest stage of the $230 million public-private EV Project, lay the groundwork for the installation of around 920 public Blink Level 2 EV charging stations in and around the Phoenix and an additional 40 commercial Blink DC Fast Chargers.
The Blink charging stations are smart grid compatible, offering options for energy usage data, demand response and energy management. The stations link into the Blink network, which gives drivers access to charge status information, cost and charge station locations.
The new Fast Chargers offer the option to provide a full battery charge in less than 30 minutes.
“Arizona is part of a select group chosen to pioneer the installation and use of Blink charging stations in the US,” says ECOtality CEO Jonathan Read. “We are eager to begin laying the groundwork for EV infrastructure.”
The EV infrastructure in Arizona will provide a test bed for the technologies before they are rolled out more widely in the US, adds Don Karner, president of ECOtality North America.
The EV Project will ultimately see the installation of around 15,000 charging stations over the next year in 15 other US cities and metropolitan areas.