ECOtality,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY),
a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies,
announced today a collaboration with American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP)
to unveil Ohio’s first Blink electric-vehicle charging stations. The
Blink® Pedestal chargers were installed at the Walmart/Sam’s Club in
Columbus and are part of AEP Ohio’s gridSMART® initiative to promote
energy efficiency.
"The alliance between AEP, Walmart and ECOtality exemplifies the
collaboration needed to develop charging solutions that meet the needs
of utilities and enhances the consumer experience,” said Jonathan Read,
CEO of ECOtality. "The intelligence, real-time communications and
network controls of our Blink chargers are an ideal fit with the
gridSMART initiative. ECOtality is excited to work with Walmart and AEP
to enhance public awareness of EV charging and encourage cleaner
transportation.”
As one of the United States’ largest generators of electricity, AEP and
AEP Ohio are taking a holistic approach to the development of a smart
distribution grid through the company's gridSMART® initiative, which is
designed to provide customers greater energy control and improve
electric distribution service and performance. AEP Ohio has incorporated
various smart grid devices, products and technologies, including
electric vehicles, into the project to test their impact on the utility
grid.
"Educating the public about and promoting electric vehicles as a mode of
transportation via these charging stations is a milestone for AEP Ohio,”
said Robert Powers, president of AEP Utilities. "Incorporating electric
vehicles as part of our gridSMART® Demonstration Project in northeast
central Ohio helps us determine their impact on our electric grid and
shows their viability within the retail market.”
ECOtality’s Blink line of EV charging stations provide intelligent,
user-friendly features that intuitively and safely charge electric
vehicles. The Blink Pedestal chargers installed at 3900 Morse Road in
Columbus are Level 2 (240 VAC) chargers that feature interactive color
touch screens and real-time communication capabilities that can
integrate with various smart grid and energy management programs.
The Blink Network of charging stations provides EV drivers the freedom
to travel wherever they choose and charge at commercial locations
conveniently identified along the way. EV drivers will be able to locate
charging stations through the Blink mobile application, and can charge
at any Blink station through a variety of options including
interoperable RFID cards or fobs, smartphone applications and mobile
phone and credit card based payment options. Blink Network members will
enjoy even greater advantages, such as discounted charging rates,
reservation systems and enhanced Blink Network capabilities.
About ECOtality, Inc.
ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY),
headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a leader in clean
electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation,
acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the
market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace
carbon-based fuels. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please
visit www.ecotality.com.
About AEP Ohio
AEP Ohio provides electricity to nearly 1.5 million customers of major
AEP subsidiaries Columbus Southern Power Company and Ohio Power Company
in Ohio, and Wheeling Power Company in the northern panhandle of West
Virginia. AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American
Electric Power. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at www.aepohio.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking
statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current
expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future
performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions
and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements,
prospective investors should review carefully various risks and
uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the
company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the
Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in
the forward-looking statements.
