eVgo, the fastest growing EV fast charging site provider, is first network to support the new SAE DC charging standard
The ChargeNow DC Fast program offers BMW i3 EV drivers in California unlimited, no cost 30 minute DC fast charging, at NRG eVgo Freedom Station® sites equipped with DC Combo Fast Charging, through 2015. Photo courtesy of NRG
SAN JOSE, Calif. — NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), is further expanding access to the Company’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network by partnering with BMW on its new ChargeNow DC Fast program. Now, BMW i3 drivers in California can enjoy unlimited, no cost 30 minute DC fast charging, at eVgo Freedom Station® sites equipped with DC Combo Fast Charging, through 2015.
“At NRG eVgo, we are passionate in our commitment to drive the future of electric vehicle charging,” said Arun Banskota, President of NRG eVgo. “By identifying strategic partnerships and working with those partners to develop innovative solutions to EV charging needs, we can create an interconnected, reliable network of conveniently placed DC fast charging locations that gives EV drivers the confidence to drive farther than ever before.”
Based on data from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, eVgo is the fastest growing provider of fast charging sites. By adding SAE Combo DC fast chargers at California Freedom Station locations as well as Level 2 charging, eVgo, furthers its commitment to support all EV drivers wherever and however they choose to charge.
“Our strategy is to provide a complete solution for electric vehicle drivers,” continued Mr. Banskota. “By offering public, home, workplace, apartment community and on-the-go charging stations in each of our markets, NRG eVgo offers EV drivers total range confidence with cost certainty.”
eVgo is committed to interoperability and its network is capable of reading multiple access cards including single all-access cards, an initiative that gives electric vehicle drivers seamless access to multiple major EV charging networks.
“We are confident the rapidly-expanding eVgo DC Fast Charging network will provide significant benefits to BMW i3 drivers in California,” said Robert Healey, EV Infrastructure Manager, BMW of North America. “The ChargeNow DC Fast program brings us closer to the reality of one card, one account public charging network interoperability.”
BMW i3 Photo courtesy of BMW
With comprehensive EV charging networks in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the greater Washington, D.C. area, Dallas and Houston, eVgo public chargers have powered more than 2.1 million electric miles so far. Through the eVgo network, NRG provides access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States and continues to expand nationally, increasing its footprint in at least 20 new markets.
About NRG eVgo
The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home charger and unlimited use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites – all for one low monthly fee. eVgo is a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgeVgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgevgo.
Hundreds of Tesla customers and enthusiasts came together at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Wednesday to celebrate the arrival of the first right hand drive Model S’s in Asia. On hand to deliver eight Model S keys and introduce Hong Kong’s first two Supercharging sites was Jerome Guillen, Tesla’s Vice President of World Wide Sales and Service.
“We could not be here without you,” Guillen told the crowd. “It is really meaningful and we appreciate your commitment to helping us with our goal, which is to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.”
Dennis Lo, a Tesla Roadster owner and one of the eight people to take delivery of a new Model S at the event, also spoke to the crowd, which included Hong Kong movie star and new Model S owner Alex Fong. “Tesla has completely redefined what an electric car can be, and what can be achieved with zero emissions,” Lo said.
Hong Kong’s first Superchargers are the latest and most advanced models and will soon be followed by a series of Supercharging locations throughout Hong Kong, allowing Model S owners to charge for free.
For more scenes and action from the event, watch this highlights video.
This article is a repost (7-26-14), credit: Tesla. Video courtesy of Tesla.
Global agreement combines Volvo electric and electric hybrid buses with ABB fast-charging solutions, paving the way for rapid deployment of urban e-mobility.
Volvo electric-hybrid bus Photo courtesy of ABB
Zurich, Switzerland – July 21, 2014 – ABB, the leading power and automation group, announced today a partnership with Volvo Buses, one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers, to co-develop and commercialize electric and hybrid buses with open standards-based direct current (DC) fast charging systems.
The cooperation creates a city-wide standardized charging system for electric and electric hybrid buses that can charge buses quickly through an automatic roof-top connection system at bus stops or through cabled charging systems overnight.
This approach, based on internationally accepted standards, enables maximum re-use of existing e-mobility technologies, thereby ensuring a rapid deployment of urban e-mobility. The first joint project for Luxembourg’s public transportation system is planned for 2015.
Volvo’s new Electric Hybrid bus, which reduces fuel consumption by 75 percent compared to conventional diesel buses, will debut at the IAA exhibition in Hannover, Germany, in September.
ABB and Volvo will contribute with their respective expertise in power grids and e-buses to further develop e-bus fast-charging standards, such as communications protocols for infrastructure, electrical grids and e-buses.
An electric-bus charging standard will be largely based on the recently adopted global DC fast charging standards for passenger cars, guaranteeing safety and helping stimulate investment, long-term commitment and increased adoption of clean mobility.
“We are very pleased to partner with a global transportation industry leader that shares our vision of e-mobility in line with ABB’s commitment of power and productivity for a better world,” said Pekka Tiitinen, head of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “Urbanization is at a historic high and is stretching transport infrastructure of cities around the world. Our collaboration will help support sustainable and cost-efficient transportation solutions to meet rising commuter demand.”
Volvo electric-hybrid bus, rear Photo courtesy of ABB
The partnership is focused squarely on standardization of automatic e-bus fast charging, including the communications protocol between the infrastructure charging solution and e-bus, the electrical interface and specifications for the rooftop automatic connection system (ACS).
“We are delighted to enter into partnership with ABB. Together, we have a complete and competitive offer to cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public transport system,” said Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses. “Electric hybrid buses and full-electric buses are tomorrow’s solution for urban public transport.”
Volvo Buses launched its first hybrid bus in 2009 and has delivered nearly 1,600 hybrids to 21 countries. Its first fully electric bus will be launched in June 2015 as part of the ElectriCity project in Gothenburg, Sweden.
ABB has delivered over 1,500 DC fast charging systems for passenger vehicles worldwide since 2010, rolling out charging networks for automotive, utility, government and retail customers including nationwide networks in the Netherlands, Estonia and Denmark.
The first joint project will be the implementation of Volvo Electric Hybrids and ABB’s automatic e-bus chargers in the Luxembourg public transport system, where as many as 12 Volvo Electric Hybrid buses operated by Sales-Lentz will be running on existing lines by 2015.
The project is integrated into Luxembourg’s Mobility Network linking different mobility projects in the western European country to exploit synergies and develop common visions for the mobility of the future.
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 150,000 people.
Volvo Buses (http://www.volvobuses.com) is one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers, with a strong focus on vehicles and systems for long-term sustainable public transport. Volvo Buses is part of Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction machines as well as drive systems for marine and industrial applications.
Sustainable energy generation goal is to meet power demands for all 49ers regular season home games
Photo courtesy of NRG
SANTA CLARA, Calif.-Jul. 17, 2014- Today,NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Francisco 49ers celebrated the completion of the NRG Solar Terrace as well as the photovoltaic (PV) solar systems for the three NRG Energy Bridges at Levi’s® Stadium, making it the first stadium in the United States that is home to a professional football team with LEED certification standards incorporated into the original design and architecture. Among the installations are solar panels expected to generate enough energy annually to offset the power consumed at the stadium during 49ers regular season home games, with the goal to achieve a “net zero” energy use.
“It is reassuring to know that when leading franchises like the 49ers with a rich tradition of innovation and success decide to embrace clean energy, they turn to NRG,” said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG. “We are pleased to help the 49ers turn their new state-of-the-art stadium into a model for others as we reach for the clean energy future.”
A beacon of innovation in every respect, Levi’s Stadium will be powered with assistance from a 375 kW solar installation, comprised of more than 1,150 solar panels along the NRG Solar Terrace and three NRG Energy Bridges. SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), the exclusive solar technology partner to the new stadium, supplied its high efficiency, E20/327-watt solar panels for the NRG Energy Bridges and the NRG Solar Terrace. Serving as the main entry and exit avenues to the stadium, the bridges showcase the customizable design of NRG renewable solutions and will provide shade on warm game days. The bridges also serve as inspiration for anyone seeking sustainable energy solutions for themselves on a smaller-scale.
“The vision for an energy-efficient and visually-stunning stadium has been realized,” said San Francisco 49ers President Paraag Marathe. “We’ve never strayed from what we wanted Levi’s® Stadium to represent and that is a place to comfortably enjoy exciting sports and entertainment events and a venue that sparks a new view of what sustainability and being environmentally conscious can look like.”
NRG has also installed six eVgo electric vehicle charging stations in the Great America parking lot which have the ability to charge up to 12 vehicles. These chargers will become part of the NRG eVgo® network that supports charging needs for electric vehicle drivers at home, at work, on the road, at their apartment community or even at the airport.
Levi’s® Stadium is one of seven stadiums used for college or professional football where NRG has installed its smart energy solutions. Other venues, including NRG Stadium, FedExField, Lincoln Financial Field, MetLife Stadium, Patriot Place and Arizona State’s Sun Devil Stadium have partnered with NRG to push the clean energy movement forward and create structures that generate and thrive from their own on-site energy generation. As the sustainable energy partner of the 49ers, NRG will continue to explore other opportunities to help enhance the stadium’s sustainability efforts.
About NRG
NRG is leading a customer-driven change in the U.S. energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices, while building on the strength of the nation’s largest and most diverse competitive power portfolio. A Fortune 250 company, we create value through reliable and efficient conventional generation while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions. Our retail electricity providers serve almost 3 million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.
About Levi’s® Stadium
Levi’s® Stadium will be the new home to the San Francisco 49ers, and will also serve as one of the world’s best outdoor sports and entertainment venues. It was designed by HNTB and is being built by Turner/Devcon for the Santa Clara Stadium Authority. The $1.2 billion venue will have 1.85 million square feet, seat approximately 68,500 and feature 170 luxury suites and 9,000 club seats. It was designed to be a multi-purpose facility with the flexibility to host a wide range of events, including domestic and international soccer, college football, motocross, concerts and various civic events, and will be expandable for major events such as the Super Bowl. Levi’s® Stadium is owned by the Santa Clara Stadium Authority, a public joint powers authority that was established to provide for development and operation of Levi’s® Stadium to ensure that the stadium serves the goals of the City of Santa Clara. For more information, go to www.LevisStadium.com.
Bosch® will provide home charging stations and installation services, while ChargePoint® is the chosen public EV charging solution for all e-Golf drivers
E-Golf Image courtesy of Volkswagen
Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced providers of charging services for e-Golf models, the first zero-tailpipe emissions electric vehicle to be sold by Volkswagen in the U.S. market. The e-Golf will go on sale later this year as a 2015 model. Bosch Automotive Service Solutions has been selected as a charging station and installation services partner for the e-Golf. ChargePoint® was chosen to complete the driver experience by providing VW branded stations to all e-Golf dealerships and access to the largest network of public EV charging stations.
Bosch® will provide a suite of 240-volt charging options, including the Power Max charging station, as well as full-service installation for e-Golf drivers. The charging station and installation will be offered at highly competitive prices.
A Bosch Vehicle Charging Advisor will support customers through the entire installation process, including:
No-cost, on-site quotation
Local permit application, coordination, and inspection
Installation completed by a Bosch Certified Electrician
All Volkswagen e-Golf owners will be given automatic access to the ChargePoint network, the largest in the world with more than 18,000 charging locations. Every e-Golf will come with a ChargePoint membership card in the car at no additional cost, giving owners far greater opportunities to charge their cars while on the go. About 60 percent of stations on the ChargePoint network are free to use and drivers can start a session with their ChargePoint card, the ChargePoint mobile app or by calling the support line listed on the station.
In addition, all Volkswagen e-Golf dealerships will have the latest generation ChargePoint stations with VW branding, installed by Bosch. The stations will be available for public use and dealers will use them to walk prospective buyers through EV charging. All e-Golf drivers will also get access to the ChargePoint mobile app, where they can navigate to stations, see real-time status updates (to see if the station is in use, available or down) and start charging sessions.
“We are delighted that Bosch is going to provide stations and installation services and are thrilled to provide our e-Golf drivers access to the ChargePoint network,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy. “Although the e-Golf is not the first BEV to market in the U.S., we are taking a holistic approach to e-Mobility. We want to offer the most competitive suite of services for what we think is the most versatile and most fun-to-drive electric vehicle on the market.”
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The economics are simple: Buy an all-electric Nissan LEAF, and you save money by avoiding the gas pump. With Nissan’s “No Charge to Charge” promotion, new LEAF buyers in certain markets get an even better deal with two years of free public charging.
New Nissan LEAF drivers are now enjoying free charging at eligible public stations, thanks to the new “No Charge to Charge” program, which is now live in 10 markets across the United States. With free access to charging at more than 2,600 public stations available in the initial program markets, including more than 200 quick chargers, LEAF drivers are also experiencing the “range confidence” that public charging can provide.
The value of “No Charge to Charge” will continue to grow, with Nissan’s plans to support the installation of an additional 500 quick chargers at Nissan dealerships and at business and municipal partners in key LEAF markets across the U.S. These quick charging stations can charge a Nissan LEAF battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes.
“Free charging is a great way for Nissan and our charging partners to make LEAF an unbeatable value for the average American driver,” said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure. “The popularity of ‘No Charge to Charge’ since our April announcement shows that public charging spurs range confidence and additional LEAF sales.”
“No Charge to Charge” takes advantage of the new EZ-ChargeSM card, a first-of-its-kind card that offers Nissan LEAF owners access to five leading EV charging networks with a single card. New owners will receive an EZ-Charge card that will provide access to chargers with ChargePoint, Blink, CarCharging, AeroVironment and NRG eVgo.
“No Charge to Charge” has now launched in 10 of the top markets for Nissan LEAF sales, including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Oregon., Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and Washington, D.C. In the next year, Nissan plans to offer the “No Charge to Charge” program and EZ-Charge card at LEAF dealers in at least 15 additional U.S. markets.
Participants can locate eligible chargers in the “No Charge to Charge” program online at EZ-Charge.com or PlugShare.com, or by downloading the PlugShare app for iOS or Android. (Note: Not all chargers accessible with the EZ-Charge card are included in the “No Charge to Charge” program.)
About Nissan LEAF
With more than 120,000 global sales since launch, Nissan LEAF is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle. LEAF seats up to five passengers and boasts an estimated driving range on a fully-charged battery of 84 miles and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined. With a starting price of less than $30,000, LEAF is competitively priced with similar gas-powered cars after applicable tax credits, while providing the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance.
LEAF is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery and an 80kW motor that provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience.
The all-electric Nissan LEAF is offered in three trim levels, and shoppers can choose from a variety of available premium features such as leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker BOSE® energy efficient audio system and a 6.6 kW onboard charger that significantly reduces 220V charging times.
About the EZ-Charge partners:
Blink
Blink Network is a CarCharging Company and one of the leading EV charging networks. We offer Level 2 and DCFC charging solutions for single-family homes, multifamily, and commercial properties. Our publicly accessible Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers are strategically located where drivers need them the most—multifamily residential, workplaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and parking facilities. To locate stations or learn more about the Blink Network, please visit http://www.BlinkNetwork.com.
CarCharging
Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTCQB: CCGI) is a pioneer in nationwide public electric vehicle (EV) charging services, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at locations throughout the United States. Headquartered in Miami Beach, FL with offices in San Jose, CA; New York, NY; and Phoenix, AZ; CarCharging’s business model is designed to accelerate the adoption of public EV charging. CarCharging owns and operates the Blink Network, the software that operates, monitors, and tracks the Blink charging stations and all of its data, and owns and operates EV charging equipment manufactured by various additional providers. CarCharging has strategic partnerships across multiple business sectors including multifamily residential and commercial properties, parking garages, shopping malls, retail parking, and municipalities, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at locations throughout the United States. For more information about CarCharging or the Blink Network, please visit www.CarCharging.com, www.BlinkNetwork.com, www.facebook.com/Car.Charging or www.twitter.com/CarCharging.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is the largest and most open electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the world, with more than 18,000 charging locations. Ranked #1 by leading independent research firm, Navigant Research, ChargePoint makes advanced hardware and best-in-class cloud based software. ChargePoint’s open network is utilized by many leading EV hardware makers and encourages all EV charging manufacturers to join. ChargePoint’s real-time network information including the availability of charging locations throughout the nation is available through the ChargePoint mobile app, online and via the navigation systems in top-selling EVs including the new BMW i3 and the Nissan LEAF. Every 9 seconds, a driver connects to a ChargePoint station and by initiating over 5 million charging sessions, ChargePoint drivers have saved over 4.3 million gallons of gasoline and driven over 100 million gas free miles. For more information about ChargePoint, visit www.chargepoint.com
NRG eVgo
The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks, plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home or workplace charger and use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites and other public charging stations. eVgo is a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgevgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgevgo.
AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider with decades of experience delivering complete EV charging solutions, such as the recently launched dual-voltage TurboCord portable charger, 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. The company has deployed nearly 18,000 Level II charging stations in North America and hundreds of DC fast-charging stations, including along the pioneering West Coast Electric Highway, where the company supplies, installs and maintains the highway’s EV charging network. AeroVironment is a leading supplier of high-power test systems used worldwide by automakers and advanced battery manufacturers to develop the next generation of electric vehicles and batteries. To learn more please visit www.evsolutions.com.
PlugShare
PlugShare is the world’s most popular electric vehicle charging station locator app, made by Recargo Inc. Recargo is a leading electric vehicle service provider that offers consumer and industry intelligence to support the adoption and growth of plug-in mobility. PlugInsights is the company’s driver research division, powered by the largest panel of EV drivers ever assembled. For more information visit www.recargo.com.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan. Video courtesy of Nissan.
NRG eVgo is making major progress in California! As of today (7-2-14), we have 55 fast-charging sites throughout the state. That’s 39 Freedom Station® sites and 16 dealership fast chargers in the San Francisco Bay area, Sacramento, San Diego County and the Los Angeles Basin.
Infographic courtesy of eVgo.
All Freedom Station sites are designed to support current and future charging technology. Each Freedom Station has CHAdeMO chargers and we have now begun to add SAE Combo charging. But no matter what electric car you drive, every Freedom Station can serve you today, since each also has a Level 2 charger.
Our commitment is to make EV driving easier and even more fun in California.
Each charger we install gives EV drivers the freedom to go even greater distances across California. Drivers using our network continue to broadcast their experience and convert more people to electric! Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @nrgeVgo to stay in touch with our growth. We love receiving tweets with pictures and messages about your EV experience!
If you own a property or can introduce a property owner who should have home, retail, or workplace charging, please put us in touch by sending an introduction email to [email protected]
We are here for you.
Our phone line and email are always waiting for you. If you have any questions or comments, please call us at 877-455-3833 or email us.
