UK & Netherlands Shell Stations To Add EV Charging

Sometimes, it’s a good thing to change your spots. Shell is doing a bit of that. Shell is not a name I think of at all in terms of clean air infrastructure. More often, I reflect on the problems of the oil company in places it should not be — rainforests, the Arctic, etc. Changing its spots, Shell is offering a new face with a clean air emphasis. Shell is planning a second choice in how it fuels up cars, and it is a good thing for once. Parts of Europe will see the beginning of the change. Some Shell stations in UK and Netherlands will reportedly be adding EV charging stations later this year.

Gas is not cheap at all in that part of the world. The push towards renewable, clean energy is strong in Europe. One of the benefits of electric cars is the convenient ability to charge at home, or perhaps at your workplace, the grocery store, IKEA, etc. However, installing EV charging stations at gas stations can be helpful to bridge gaps in charging infrastructure for those who are out and about and low on charge.

→ Related: What Will The End Of Gasoline Cars Look Like?

An earlier CleanTechnica story on Shell and solar energy showed an adaptive shift might be planned: “Solar energy will comprise the backbone of the world’s energy system in years to come, according to the CEO of Shell (yes, that Shell), Ben van Beurden.”

The interesting/odd thing is that, to avoid a visit to a gas station and not have to smell gas so closely is one of the reasons some of us prefer EVs. On the other hand, I do think this will help many less adventurous types to feel secure. It will also help to normalize the idea of electric cars. People like familiarity. On a long trip without other options, this is a good additional location, I admit, even if $ is at the root. Ever wonder how much $ gas stations bring in with those high-priced bottles of water and snacks?

Shell sees the chargers as a business opportunity to sell more snacks. “We have a number of countries where we’re looking at having battery charging facilities,” John Abbott, Shell director of downstream business, commented in an interview with the Financial Times. “If you are sitting charging your vehicle, you will want to have a coffee or something to eat.”

Inverse.com highlighted the new Shell story with a focus on Tesla charging, but it’s actually non-Tesla fully electric car drivers who could make more use of EV charging stalls at gas stations — Teslas have the most range by far, and they also benefit from access to a fairly widespread Tesla super-fast charging (Supercharging) network. Nonetheless, more charging stations could even help Tesla drivers. Also, note that Tesla is partnering with gas stations in some European countries (e.g., with Orlen in Poland) to install Superchargers.

New Law Will Allow EV Charging Stations at Gov’t Facilities

In today’s “I can’t believe this wasn’t already a thing” news, a new amendment that was drafted that would allow the General Services Administration (GSA) to construct, install, and operate electric vehicle charging stations on federal facilities at no cost to taxpayers was passed by the US House of Representatives earlier this week. Which means that, until a few days ago, if you worked for a government agency, on a federal facility, and wanted to commute to work in an electric car, it would have been illegal for you to try to charge it while you were in your office.

Did you guys know that this was a thing? I didn’t.

The amendment, which was added to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act of 2015, was sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, and added language to the original bill that will give jurisdiction to the GSA for the installation and operation of the charging stations at Federal facilities. At the same time, it will allow government employees to charge their privately owned vehicles at these GSA charging stations.

Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), summed up the move nicely. “In 2012, Congress passed legislation to allow electric vehicle recharging at the U.S. Capitol for congressmen and their staff for a fee, but neglected to extend this authority to other federal agencies and employees. Our amendment would correct this disparity,” said Massie, who also serves on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

You can watch Massie push the House to adopt the Massie-Lofgren-Eshoo “EV-Commute” Amendment allowing electric charging stations at federal workplaces, below. Be warned, however: it is seriously compelling stuff, and you may get hooked on CSPAN reruns.

Adoption of Massie-Lofgren-Eshoo EV-Commute Ammendment

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Sources | Images: Inside EVs, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).

Tesla Talks Batteries And Charging Stations With BMW

After Elon Musk announced that he was opening the book on Tesla’s multitude of EV patents, it didn’t take long for BMW to initiate a discussion with the electric automaker. Apparently those discussions have been fruitful, as Elon Musk told Germany’s Der Spiegel that he had met with BMW representatives to discuss batteries, charging stations, and carbon fiber.

“We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations,” Musk said in the interview with the weekly magazine. He also said that BMW’s efforts with carbon fiber are both “cost efficient” and “interesting” to the Tesla CEO, and it’s easy to see why. By using carbon fiber, the BMW i3 manages to be the lightest electric car on the road, tipping the scales at a svelte 2,600ish pounds.

BMW aims to bring carbon fiber prices down some 90% to make it more viable as a replacement for steel. Compare that to the nearly 5,000 pound Tesla Model S P85D, and you start to understand why Musk might be interested in BMW’s expertise on the matter. Word has it that the Tesla Model III will be made mostly from steel instead of aluminum like the Model S; could a partnership with BMW could put carbon fiber on the table.

That’s less likley than Tesla teaming up with BMW on batteries and charging stations though. The California automaker already sells batteries and drivetrains to rival Mercedes-Benz, and of particular interest to BMW are the Supercharging stations. BMW also has a few ideas regarding EV charging though, and both the i3 and i8 have been well received. and considering Elon has always targeted the BMW 3 Series as a benchmark for the Model III, it seems to me these two companies may have more in common than most automakers.

But that’s not to say all their goals align. Musk is keeping Tesla all-electric, while BMW is exploring hydrogen fuel cells with Toyota. Toyota and Tesla recently parted ways, and the Japanese automaker has since come out saying that nobody wants to buy EVs.

Tell that to Tesla.

It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, comes from talks between Tesla and BMW. Will future BMWs plug into the Supercharger network? Will next-gen Teslas be made from carbon fiber?

Source: Reuters

Detroit area Volt owner has power cut by HOA

If electric cars are going to proliferate it will help not to discriminate against them, as Natalie Forte alleges against her homeowner’s association.

The Waterford, Michigan condo resident had her electricity cut in a dispute when her homeowners association charged what she said was four-times the actual electric costs to charge her car. Forte, an investigator for a law firm, says she gave them a $50 check but they left it un-cashed, asking instead $200. She says the DTE electric bill for the garage unit was around what she agreed to pay.

Now instead of using the wall outlet in her garage, she runs a 100-foot extension cord down steps at night while neighbors run appliances like refrigerators 24/7 at no extra cost.

The news reporter says the homeowner association president hung up on him twice, and was none too forthcoming, saying only the association voted 4-1 against the resident.

That’s the angle at this juncture. Have you seen other acts that appear hostile, capricious, ignorant, and downright un-Norwegian (I just made that last descriptor up, how do you like it? … 

What does Forte call it?

“Gouging. Definitely gouging,” she said.

What is the solution?



Source: GM-Volt

Ecotality Auction Goes To Florida’s CarCharging Group

Tell me if this story sounds familiar; a government-backed green tech company goes bankrupt, heads to auction, and is sold for a tiny percentage of what is owed the government. EV charging company Ecotality was reportedly sold on Friday for $3.4 million, leaving the government on the hook for more than $96 million.

Ecotality’s buyer is the CarCharging Group, based in Miami Florida, which paid an undisclosed amount for the charging network operator, though word on the street is that the winning bid was just $3.4 million. The government loaned Ecotality $100 million, so you can say goodbye to the rest of that cash.

CarCharging Group gets access to Ecotality’s nearly 13,000 EV chargers, though there are plenty of technical and location issues that led to Ecotality’s bankruptcy in the first place left to resolve. CarCharging Group also grabbed another charging company, 350Green, giving the company cheap access to thousands of different charging stations all over the country. Whether or not they can actually make money on charging networks remains to be seen.

This is the latest money loser for the government’s green loan program, with other companies like Fisker and the Vehicle Production Group bringing in bids worth just a tiny bit of the money they owe taxpayers. It certainly adds fuel to the fire of debate over the government’s role in promoting green energy.

Source: Plug-in Cars

Indianapolis-area mall offers free charging at new "plug-in ecosystem"

Indianapolis-area plug-in vehicle owners looking to burn a bunch of dollars at the local mall can at least save a few by plugging into a solar-powered station at the Clay Terrace mall in Carmel, the New York Timesreports.

The Simon Property Group-owned center last week deployed what it calls its "Plug-In Ecosystem," which includes a fast charger that pulls electricity from the grid as well as solar panels that can offset some of that power use. Simon Property, Duke Energy, Toshiba and Itochu Corp. are among the entities that partnered on the project, which lets folks charge for free.

While Indiana is home to the country's best-known fuel-powered car race, the state is also the US home ofThink, the now defunct electric-vehicle maker. Additionally, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has been on a crusade to eventually convert all of the city's fleet vehicles to plug-ins.

For the curious, Indiana is home to about 60 publicly accessible EV-charging stations, enough for one for every 110,000 registered vehicles – whatever their powertrain. Overall, there are about 5,400 publicly accessible EV-charging stations in the US, or about one for every 50,000 registered vehicles.



Source: Autoblog Green

Over 10,000 Aerovironment chargers installed in US; Fiat deal coming soon?

Aerovironment has installed 10,000 residential chargers in the US. On top of these, there are many atNissan dealers and more at BMW dealers that offered the ActiveE (around 70). Soon, possibly, there will be some at US Fiat Studios. Aerovironment's Tom Carney, director of automotive sales and EV solutions, recently told AutoblogGreen that more news will be coming from Fiat on the deal with Aerovironment, most likely at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show where the 500E will take a bow.

While AeroVironment is Nissan's preferred vendor, Nissan dealerships have the discretion to choose the brand of charger they install. Nissan makes a 44kW DC Quick Charger unit that is sold by AeroVironment and costs under $20,000.

The Fiat deal came about in an interesting way. Nissan had asked AV to put together a dealer package so that when people buy a Leaf they also have an easy way to get a home charger. Since this package was still on the books, AV recently took it to Fiat in preparation for 500E sales. We should know more in a few weeks.

Source: Autoblog Green

Pike Research: 11.4 million charging stations installed by 2020

Pike Research is forecasting that the number electric vehicle charging stations will grow rapidly in the coming years, with 11.4 million chargers in operation globally by 2020. The market research and consulting firm released a report on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that sees 2012 being a strong year for EVSE deployment and the pace continuing from here.

The report, "Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment," is built on the premise that plug-in electric vehicle sales will see growth and drive EVSE deployment. As for the numbers, Pike Research sees more than 135,000 electric vehicles (EVs) being sold globally this year, with unit sales of EVSE coming in under 200,000. That number is expected to grow to 2.4 million EVSE sold in 2020. As for global markets, the report targets the US, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Korea, and Israel as places where EVSE uptake will be high. The report looks at Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers, and wireless charging.

Pike Research does acknowledge that sales of EVs and charging station installations have been slower than expected. Almost 45,000 public charging stations will be installed globally this year, and most of this is coming from publicly funded programs, Pike Research says. There's a chicken and egg aspect to all this, too, since much of the private sector is waiting for more EVs to hit the roads before investing in more charging infrastructure. The EVSE industry is still trying to determine the best way to create a viable return on investment on EVSE station deployments for site hosts. This will become a pressing issue as publicly funded EVSE installations wind down.

Still, Pike Research remains optimistic about market growth. "Nevertheless, global sales of charging equipment are expected to grow at a steady pace as the plug-in vehicle market grows," the company says on its promotion page for the report.



Source: Autoblog Green

NRG says $102 million EV station plan will create $185 million in spending

PRESS RELEASE

The planned $102.5 million investment by NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in California will create more than 1,500 jobs in the Los Angeles Basin, San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and San Diego County regions, according to a study by Solution Mountain commissioned by NRG.

The study found that NRG's initial $102.5 million investment will create a gross output of more than $185 million when the employment and procurement of goods and services are factored together, equating to an additional $83.3 million in indirect economic activity by 2016.
Click here to download a PDF of the full report.

"We are excited to be both helping to build out the California EV infrastructure, which will help give range confidence to EV drivers, while also contributing to the California economy through job creation and infrastructure spending," said Terry O'Day, NRG Director of California Business Development. "Our commitment to California through this investment will directly benefit consumers, as well as other businesses that will be able to grow due to a more robust EV infrastructure and the greater EV adoption it will help create."

The more than 1,500 jobs created by build-out of the EV Freedom Station and make ready sites will be spread across numerous sectors, including charger station technology, station construction, and specialized design, advertising and marketing services.

NRG will build a minimum of 200 Freedom Station sites as part of the project, installations that include DC chargers that can deliver 50 miles of charge in as little as 15 minutes. The Company will also build a minimum of 10,000 "make-readies" - parking spaces retrofitted to with the wiring necessary to host future EV charging at locations such as multifamily buildings, workplaces and universities, hospitals and other civic sties.

"This study helps show additional benefits of this infrastructure to California," said O'Day. "Pending Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval of the agreement, we will be able to release more project details, including the locations of the first Freedom Station sites and make ready installations."

Solution Mountain used the industry-accepted IMPLAN model to evaluate the economic and job-creation benefits of investment. The full report can be found at here.

About Solution Mountain, Inc
Since 2003, the principals of Solution Mountain, Inc. have prepared hundreds of economic impact reports for state agencies, cities, counties, economic development districts and private corporations. Each report is based on IMPLAN data sets specific to the project's location and unique industry sectors. Solution Mountain, Inc. is a technology partner for the California Association of Local Economic Development (CALED). Robert Gilmore, CEO of Solution Mountain is the recipient of the Ford Foundation's Award for Innovations in American Government and the Council of State Government's Award for Innovation.

About NRG
NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. Our diverse power generating facilities can support more than 20 million homes and our retail electricity providers - Reliant, Green Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus - serve more than two million customers. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

Pennsylvania Turnpike plazas will all get DC fast charging stations for EVs

Ready to take your all-electric car on a road trip? If you're headed along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, 2013 might just be your year. The plan is to install EV charging stations in all 17 of the service plazas along the highway by June 30 of that year. Each plaza will get one Level 2 charging stations and two DC fast chargers, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Kevin Sunday told Essential Public Radio. The first stations will be put in in the spring of 2012.

Florida's Car Charging Group was awarded a grant worth a million dollars from the PDEP to install the Chargepoint charging stations made by Coulomb Technologies that look similar to this. On top of the million, the Turnpike Commission will spend up to $500,000 to upgrade the electricity infrastructure at the plazas "to provide the charging stations with the necessary voltage." Pictured above is a Coulomb charging station at the Oakland airport. CCG has previously put in charging stations in Manhattan.



Source: Autoblog Green

Is Costco really removing plug-in vehicle charging stations?

Recently, dissent has been bubbling up on plug-in vehicle discussion forums recently about Costco's anti-electric vehicle nerve. Specifically, the shopping center giant has reportedly been removing a bunch of already-installed plug-in vehicle chargers at some California store locations. Plug In America responded with an action alert that saw hundreds of plug-in supporters contact Costco's CEO to ask that his company replace the old units instead.

Wait, what's that about old units? Ah, yes. See, the chargers that are going away were the old-style paddle/AVCON chargers, which are not compatible with the new generation of plug-in vehicles. Plug In America's press release on the matter says that, old-school EV drivers are still using Costco's "60 charging stations around California. However, at least a dozen of these Costco charging stations have been removed or are scheduled to be removed."

There's really no reason Costco shouldn't perform the upgrades, since it won't cost the company any money. The California Energy Commission has something called the "ReConnect California" program, a partnership with ClipperCreek, that lets owners of the old AVCON charging equipment upgrade them to to J1772 units at no cost. Why this isn't happening is confusing, so we contacted Costco for some sort of explanation but have not yet heard back. We'll let you know when we do.



Source: Autoblog Green