4,400 Chevrolet Volt Owners to be Eligible for Free Home 240V Charging Stations
17 June 2010
GM announced that the first buyers of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability will be eligible for one of 4,400 free home charging stations. The program will provide Volt owners with a 240-volt charge station from either ECOtality, Inc. or Coulomb Technologies. In many cases, it will include the cost of home installation.
The projects are made possible with a grant of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the US Department of Energy (DOE).
The US Department of Energy projects were established with two objectives: installing charging stations in residential, workplace and public areas to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles; and studying electric vehicle usage to optimize future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
To encourage consumer purchases of electric vehicles, federal grants and other funds have been awarded to install more than 15,000 home charge stations. That total includes 4,400 home charge stations for Volt owners; 2,600 as part of The EV Project from ECOtality, and 1,800 as part of the ChargePoint America project from Coulomb Technologies.
To study electric vehicle usage, the programs will collect data such as average charge time, energy usage and the starting and ending time of the charging process. This data will be analyzed by the US Department of Energy to understand how electric vehicles are driven, how and when they are charged, and ultimately what is required for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
At the time of purchase, Volt buyers will receive a portable 120-volt charge cord, and will have the option of installing a 240-volt charge station available from Chevrolet. Volt buyers that live within the program cities may apply for a free 240-volt home charging station through the Coulomb or ECOtality programs if they are willing to share their charging information. Additional consumer information on eligibility requirements and the application process will be available when the Volt goes on sale later this year.
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended range capability, designed to drive up to 350 miles without stopping to recharge or refuel. For the first 40 miles, Volt is powered by pure electricity, without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, a gasoline-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles.
Electrified vehicle manufactures could certainly produce and supply the companion chargers at a lowest cost to their clients. It would be it their interest to do so. The vehicle guarantee could cover the charger. If Nissan and Toyota can produce their own batteries they could also produce the chargers.
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 June 2010 at 10:35 AM
How about announce the price of the car? When will we find out MPG in CS mode?
Posted by: usbseawolf2000 | 17 June 2010 at 06:35 PM
ShouWill this increase the Volt price?
My guess is no, that a 240-volt charge station is not very expensive. (Walmart sells small Chinese window AC units for $100; it might cost that much in gas to go get one).
Since there is no significant need yet, this might ease some buyer fears by ensuring there are charger sources (or even a free chargers).
I hope it is not just another fun use of tax dollars.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 17 June 2010 at 10:25 PM
I remember when the Volt was announced January 2007, they had it at a show with a 110 VAC extension cord plugged into the side.
Posted by: SJC | 18 June 2010 at 12:56 PM
TT: I agree with you. Very low cost basic 220 VAC chargers will be around very soon. It does not have to be a Mars bound rocket.
Posted by: HarveyD | 18 June 2010 at 05:50 PM