ECOtality teamed up with Roush in July 2010 to manufacture its Blink charging stations, which form the centerpiece of the charging infrastructure network ECOtality is deploying as part of the DOE-backed EV project
The home charging stations offer several advantages over conventional charging stations, including advanced energy monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to optimize their energy usage and charge their vehicles when rates are lowest.
The Blink Network charger interface is the hub where users can receive information about their EV and Blink Home Charging Station including charge status, statistics and history.
The units can be installed indoors or outside at commercial locations, and both hardwire and plug-in charging stations are available.
As part of the EV project, ECOtality will monitor the energy usage and output of charging stations, to determine a viable method for mass adoption of electric vehicles and empower the smart grid.
ECOtality is project manager of the EV project and will oversee the installation of commercial and residential charging stations in 17 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia.
The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 EVs.
The project is funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) through a federal stimulus grant of $114.8m, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The grants are matched by private investment, bringing the total value of the project to approximately $230m.
