Magna Tech Center To Get First Coulomb EV Charger

Campbell, Calif.-based Coulomb Technologies Inc. and Charlottesville, Va.-based Aker Wade Power Technologies today announced the availability of their networked DC fast charging stations for electric vehicles. 

The ChargePoint CT3000 family of stations are capable of charging the battery of electric vehicles in half an hour and are designed in accordance with the CHAdeMO standard.  

Additionally, the companies announced that automotive supplier Magna ECAR Systems is the first customer to purchase the DC Fast Charger for use at its Rochester Hills technical center, and will be made available to Magna's visitors.

The DC fast charging station is now on display for demonstration at the Business of Plugging In Conference through Thursday at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. 

"This first public showing demonstrates the best of both worlds from Coulomb and Aker Wade," said Richard Lowenthal, CEO at Coulomb Technologies.  "Aker Wade is known for their industry-leading fast charging technology and Coulomb for the ChargePoint Network.  Together we have collaborated on the industry's first networked DC fast charging station. Magna ECAR Systems is a pioneer and paving the way for fast charging worldwide."

Said Jim Kane, business line director from Magna ECAR Systems: "The DC fast charging stations in front of our technology center will offer our customers, suppliers, and employees the ability to quickly recharge their vehicle. The heart of the auto industry is Michigan and we are proud to lead by example when it comes to the future of electric vehicles."

These new stations have been designed and engineered to provide a superior user experience for drivers and a rewarding ownership experience for buyers. For drivers, our charging stations offer innovative features including an intuitive touch-screen interface, consumer-friendly cable storage and access to the ChargePoint Network. For station owners, the DC Fast Charger accommodates two connectors, ensuring uninterrupted business in the event of a transition away from today's connector standard. The charging stations convert AC 480-volt, three-phase electric service to the DC CHAdeMO standard.

The station is distributed, marketed and supported by both companies.

The ChargePoint Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and all manufacturers of plug-in vehicle charging stations. The ChargePoint Network's unique features include:

* The ability for a station owner to set fees for use of their stations (including free charging)
* The ability for drivers to access stations without a subscription via contactless credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover)
* 24/7/365 telephone driver support via a toll free number on all charging stations
* Smart Grid ready with built in Utility Grade Metering, Time of Use (TOU) pricing and Demand Response (DR) control
* Multiple Smart Phone applications (iPhone and Blackberry) to find unoccupied stations and navigate to them
* The lowest operating cost possible due to real-time operational monitoring, alerts, diagnosis, and control of millions of stations

The CT3000 is now available to order through Aker Wade and Coulomb distribution. Pricing is available upon request based on custom options and specifications. Deliveries are to begin by March 31.

More at www.akerwade.com or www.coulombtechnologies.com.

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