Boulder is installing public electric vehicle charging stations to help cut down on pollution. The two stations are being installed in the South Boulder Recreation Center parking lot. On Monday, the stations will be switched on and made available for drivers of plug-in cars to rent for $1 per hour. According to the Boulder Daily Camera, the city expects to have 40 charging stations installed across town by next year. Some of the planned station locations include the Boulder Public Library, the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder County Courthouse, the Boulder Municipal Building and city-owned parking garages downtown. Half of the stations will service city-owned vehicles, while the other half will be available to the public to charge personal vehicles. Read more in the Boulder Daily Camera. The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by TheDenverChannel.com. By posting a comment you agree to accept our Terms of Use. Comments are moderated by the community. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Comments that are flagged by a set number of users will be automatically removed.
Showing posts with label Public. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Boulder installs first public electric vehicle charging stations
Boulder is banking on a future in which drivers hit the roads in zero-emission electric vehicles.
On Wednesday, the city began catering to that vision with the installation of the first two public electric vehicle charging stations.
At a total cost of $31,000, the stations were installed at the South Boulder Recreation Center parking lot. On Monday, the stations will be switched on and made available for drivers of plug-in cars to rent for $1 per hour.
The stations will cost the city about 90 cents per hour to operate, but because the city can't legally re-sell electricity, it will instead charge a $1 "service fee" to rent a radio frequency card that operates one of the stations.
"(Recreation center users) can just come up to the service desk there and request a card," said Joe Castro, Boulder's facility and fleet manager.
Castro said the two stations have the ability to charge up to four vehicles at the same time, and include both 240-volt and 110-volt hookups.
By June 2012, Castro said he expects to have 40 charging stations installed throughout Boulder. Some of the planned station locations include the Boulder Public Library, the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder County Courthouse, the Boulder Municipal Building and city-owned parking garages downtown.
Half of the stations will service city-owned vehicles, while the other half will be available to the public to charge personal vehicles.
Each station costs about $3,500 for the charger and about $12,000 for electrical hookups.
Boulder is paying for the equipment though a $500,000 federal grant that was secured with the help of U.S. Rep. Jared Polis. The Boulder Democrat is scheduled to appear at the South Boulder Recreation Center on Monday to christen the first charging stations.
It's still not clear how widely used the stations will be for the first few years, as the rollout of plug-in electric vehicles continues to be slow.
Nationwide, there are an estimated 3,000 electric vehicles on the roads. But Castro said he thinks the number of plug-ins in Boulder will begin to increase soon.
"The anticipation now is that in 2012, there will be 100 to 300 EV vehicles in the Boulder area," he said.
Boulder has been working with Ford to make its electric vehicles available at area dealerships.
To help entice customers to buy one of the forthcoming Ford Focus Electric vehicles, the automaker announced Wednesday that it would begin partnering with SunPower to offer consumers high-efficiency rooftop solar systems to offset all of the energy used to charge a Focus.
The companies will offer the systems at a cost of less than $10,000, after federal tax credits. Local rebates may bring the cost of the 2.5-kilowatt system even lower.
Mike Tinskey, Ford's manager of sustainability activities, said the program is sure to appeal to customers in Boulder -- which accounts for about 21 percent of all solar systems installed through Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program.
"This is going to be a great product because EV customers have been asking us for a green solution," he said.
He said the Boulder market should begin to see more Ford electric vehicles available in showrooms by early 2012.
Seth Masia, deputy editor of Solar Today magazine, said he thinks that car dealers will eventually figure out that loans for cars and solar charging systems can be packaged together.
"I think you'll see mechanisms like that emerging," he said.
In addition to Ford's new lineup of electric models, Toyota plans to release the Toyota RAV4 EV in 2012. The RAV4 will run on a lithium-ion battery pack and is expected to run 100 miles on a single charge.
The 2012 Nissan LEAF has a range of 100 miles per charge and can go 90 mph on the freeway.
General Motors, meanwhile, has increased production on its 2012 Chevy Volt.
Contact Camera Staff Writer Heath Urie at 303-473-1328 or urieh@dailycamera.com.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Vancouver unveils public electric vehicle charging station
Russian president orders sped-up retirement of Soviet-era airliners after crash that killed 45
MOSCOW - Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev says he wants Soviet-built airliners similar to the one that crashed?…
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
TXU Energy and City of McKinney Launch Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network
{"s" : "avav","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: AeroVironment, Inc. On Monday May 16, 2011, 9:10 am EDT
MCKINNEY, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV - News) announced today that it has been selected by TXU Energy to deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support a public charging network in the Dallas Metro-plex area beginning with a historic installation in the City of McKinney. TXU Energy CEO Jim Burke and the mayor of McKinney, Brian Loughmiller announced the new charging network at an event in front of the McKinney Public Library where the first of four charging stations was installed.
The installation of AeroVironment’s UL Listed charging stations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area is a demonstration of the commitment by the electric retailers and municipalities to meet customer needs and actively promote sustainability.
“Practical EVs are here today and it’s important for us to offer clean refueling options to EV drivers who are embracing this new and exciting technology,” said Jim Burke, chief executive officer of TXU Energy. “We are very impressed with the AeroVironment equipment and they were helpful and very knowledgeable in all aspects of the installation and operation.”
AeroVironment’s EVSE-CS system is listed by the Underwriter’s Laboratory and has met its rigorous requirements for safety, construction and performance measures. AV’s supporting network data systems are designed with an open architecture to ensure interoperability with the TXU Energy network, allowing the utility and its customers to track charge data and provide critical information and recommendations to utilities and users such as energy usage, efficiency and cost optimization.
“AeroVironment is committed to providing the most convenient and reliable charging solutions with the electric car owner in mind,” said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironemnt’s Efficient Energy Solutions business segment. “We look forward to working with TXU Energy to electrify McKinney, TX, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.”
AeroVironment provides electric vehicle charging stations and installation services for NissanR North America’s Nissan LEAF?, NRG Energy’s eVgo network and the state of Hawaii’s EV Ready program.
About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to approximately 2 million electricity customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy.
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://www.avinc.com/media_gallery/ev_charging/
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bozzuto Unveils Maryland's First Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a Residential Community
Press Release Source: The Bozzuto Group On Wednesday March 30, 2011, 9:00 am EDT
GREENBELT, Md., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bozzuto Group plans to unveil and demonstrate the operation of the State's first public electric vehicle charging stations contained within a residential development at The Fitzgerald, an apartment community located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon district.? A "plug-in" ceremony involving participation from local business leaders and officials is scheduled for Thursday, March 31st at 10:30am EDT.
(Photo http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110330/PH73776 )
Bozzuto selected and is working with SemaConnect, a leading developer of wireless networked electric vehicle charging stations, to install two ChargePro charging stations within The Fitzgerald's 1,245-space public parking garage.? The garage has the capability to support two additional stations as demand increases and as area residents acquire electric cars.?
"As a developer, builder, owner and manager, we recognize that we have the opportunity to be a leader in the sustainable use of the Earth's resources," said Toby Bozzuto, president, Bozzuto Development Company.? "We also realize that, over the long term, we can actually create more value with less environmental impact. We look forward to helping recharge current – and future – electric vehicle owners at The Fitzgerald."
The ChargePro charging stations are available to the general public to recharge any new mass-marketed electric vehicle, including the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and plug-in Toyota Prius, and include smart card authentication, energy metering, automatic payment system and web-based network management.
"By installing our charging stations at The Fitzgerald, we provide residents and visitors the ability to safely and easily recharge their electric vehicles in a state of the art facility," said Mahi Reddy, president and CEO, SemaConnect. "We look forward to working with Bozzuto to deploy charging infrastructure at additional multifamily properties, helping our country make the transition to a fossil-fuel free transportation future."
Professionally managed by Parking Management, Inc. (PMI) and with 950 spaces available for use by the University of Baltimore (UB), The Fitzgerald garage provides 60 percent of the school's student parking accommodations and is equipped with free door-to-door UB shuttle service, a staffed office and automatic university debit capabilities.
"The University of Baltimore and Bozzuto have been great partners in building this transit-oriented development, and now with preferred hybrid parking, UB Zimride ridesharing, Zipcars, and Bozzuto's foray into electric vehicle charging stations, there are even more ways to get around with less impact on the earth," said Steve Cassard, vice president for facilities management and capital planning, University of Baltimore.
"As the first residential community in the Mid-Atlantic to install public electric vehicle charging stations, Bozzuto's Fitzgerald development exemplifies the use of SemaConnect's smart grid compatible and multi-tenant capabilities and stands to greatly benefit the ever-increasing number of Marylanders who will own an electric vehicle," said Jill Sorensen, executive director of The Baltimore Electric Vehicle Initiative. "This important addition to our EV infrastructure – public stations within an apartment community – will make owning an electric vehicle a real possibility for anyone choosing to rent a home rather than own."
The Fitzgerald is a mixed-use development comprised of 275 luxury apartments, 24,000 square feet of street-level retail and a 1,245 space public parking garage.? The community is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is on track to become largest LEED-certified apartment community in the Baltimore area.
The Fitzgerald is a joint venture between The Bozzuto Group, Gould Property Company, NYSTRS and former Baltimore Raven Michael McCrary, and sits on 4.6 acres of land owned by the University of Baltimore.? The community was developed by Bozzuto Development Company, built by Bozzuto Construction Company, and is now managed by Bozzuto Management Company.
For more information, visit www.FitzgeraldBaltimore.com or call 888-345-9142.
About The Bozzuto Group
Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, The Bozzuto Group is a diversified residential real estate company consisting of six integrated companies – Acquisitions, Construction, Development, Homebuilding, Land Development and Property Management – that together provide a broad range of real estate services throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.? The company is committed to providing quality housing for individuals of all income levels, producing everything from luxury homes and apartments to affordable housing solutions.
Throughout The Bozzuto Group's more than 23-year history, the company has developed, acquired and built more than 31,000 homes and apartments, and the firm and its principals have been honored with numerous industry awards and accolades, including having been recognized by the NAHB as the nation's premier apartment development company, and twice as management company of the year.? For more information, please visit http://www.bozzuto.com.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
State of Hawaii Selects AeroVironment to Deploy up to 320 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Docks in Support of Clean ...
Think About! - Electric Vehicles - Solution or Diversion?
HONOLULU March 18, 2011; Lt. Governor Brian Schatz today announced that AeroVironment has been selected to help lead the way to a cleaner transportation future through an $820,000 contract from the Hawaii EV Ready Grants Program. The contract will fund the deployment of up to 320 AeroVironment 240-volt electric vehicle (EV) charging docks throughout the islands. Once deployment is completed, Hawaii will have one of the nation's first statewide public charging networks supporting electric vehicle drivers.
AeroVironment (AV), the official home charging-dock provider for the Nissan LEAFR and co-developer of the first modern-day electric vehicle, the GM Impact, will partner with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to design and build public and semi-private charging stations at convenient locations for electric vehicle owners, including high-rise buildings, resorts and rental car facilities.
AeroVironment's charging docks, including the two-port or four-port EVSE-RS+ and EVSE-CS (commercial) dock, will be strategically located throughout Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai to offer drivers a practical, safe and reliable EV charging experience. AeroVironment has installed more than 1,000 charging docks in more than 300 communities across 18 states since November 2010.
The State of Hawaii is offering a rebate of up to $500 for installing charging docks through its Hawaii EV Ready Rebate Program. Customers who purchase an EV are also eligible for a state rebate of up to $4,500. In combination with the Hawaii EV Ready Grant Program and other development efforts, the rebates aim to establish the state as a leader in the clean transportation movement.
"We look forward to working with AeroVironment to help reduce the use of oil for transportation," said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president. "Wide use of electric vehicles will not only help reduce our fossil fuel dependence, it will make it easier to increase our use of renewable energy sources such as wind power and others, all contributing to our energy, economic and environmental security."
Alm added, "AeroVironment shares this vision and is an outstanding example of a supplier with a comprehensive solution for the EV market, a history in Hawaii, experience working with leading auto manufacturers and consistent high quality customer support."
The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), University of Hawaii at Manoa will work with AeroVironment and Hawaiian Electric to collect data from chargers to analyze the impact of EVs and associated infrastructure on the power distribution grid.
"AeroVironment's team focuses on the entire user experience from the start by providing the right tools and a full range of practical, groundbreaking solutions," said Richard Rocheleau, director of the HNEI. "As a result, we'll have the unique ability to collect and analyze usage patterns that will help us project the increased demand on Hawaii's utilities as EV adoption accelerates."
AeroVironment has been working on clean transportation programs in Hawaii for more than a decade, beginning with deployment of fast charging stations for passenger EVs in the early 2000s. AeroVironment also established world altitude records with its solar-electric, unmanned aircraft systems at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands on Kauai.
"AeroVironment and the state of Hawaii are pioneers in the EV movement and have a long partnership focused on introducing clean transportation solutions," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president of Efficient Energy Systems for AeroVironment. "Together, we're deploying practical solutions for a game-changing electric transportation ecosystem that will dramatically alter the vehicle refueling paradigm for drivers in Hawaii, the United States and the world."
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AV 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). AV'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. AV's industrial fast charging systems support thousands of electric materials handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500 enterprises. AV'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.
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