Contact
Allyson Beback
Communications Specialist
919 857-9052
abeback@advancedenergy.org

INNOVATIVE ONLINE TOOL ASSISTS WITH SELECTING CHARGING STATIONS FOR PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Advanced Energy releases a new web-based tool for charging stations

(Raleigh, N.C. — April 20, 2011)Advanced Energy, a nonprofit committed to helping communities understand, plan-for and implement electric transportation initiatives, is pleased to announce the availability of an interactive, web-based tool that compares charging stations from various vendors in the United States. Charging Station Technology Review for Plug-in Electric Vehicles is a result of an ongoing comprehensive review of technical information submitted by commercial vendors, service providers and other interested parties on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), most commonly referred to as charging stations.

The online tool includes an overview of:

• Charging equipment and related systems/services
• Use of "smart charging" concepts
• Projected maintenance/repair schedules and costs; and
• Anticipated charging station billing models/systems.

"With the imminent rollout and adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), there is a clear and present need for evaluating charging stations," says Jeff Barghout, director, Transportation Initiatives, Advanced Energy. "When exploring newer technologies, best practices demonstrate that planning and technology evaluation are key to implementation. Proper upfront planning is important to enable the successful adoption of electric transportation and to avoid costly mistakes. In fact, communities and municipalities should understand the short- and long-term implications of technology selection, even when installing free or low-cost systems."

Advanced Energy's newly launched web tool will assist in the planning and selection process by offering consolidated, nonbiased information about charging stations. Additionally, communities will need to have a clear understanding of each vendor's offerings in order to determine the best solution for each site. Users can search based on vendor name, charging level needed, preferred mounting styles or products certified by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.

This online tool was made possible through the support of Duke Energy, Progress Energy, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and Dominion Virginia Power as well as the charging station vendors and stakeholders who supplied information about their products.

To learn more, visit our website.

About Advanced Energy
Advanced Energy, a Raleigh, N.C.-based nonprofit serving as a North Carolina and national resource, focuses on industrial process technologies, motors and drives testing, transportation and applied building science, creating economic, environmental and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy issues. The organization continues to work collaboratively to demonstrate that industry, government and non-profits can successfully work together to improve the environment and encourage the economy.

Advanced Energy's Electric Transportation sector is working to assist communities in understanding, planning and implementing electric transportation initiatives. An established figure in the development and deployment of plug-in electric vehicle technologies, Advanced Energy successfully facilitated the creation of the world's first commercially available plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2007. Advanced Energy also works with municipalities, electric utilities and National Laboratories monitoring and evaluating the performance of numerous fleets of plug-in hybrid vehicles across the country, including the Plug-in Hybrid Electric School Bus program. Advanced Energy currently manages the NC Get Ready program to accelerate the adoption of electrified transportation in North Carolina – one of the key initiatives in the nation making a true commitment to the widespread acceptance of electrified transportation. For more information, visit our website.