Tag Archives: EV

EV HUB, IPMI & Member News, Mobility Resource Center, News, Resources, Sustainability, Technology

Livingston Energy Group Honored by New York League of Conservation Voters

Leave a comment

 

Livingston Energy Group Honored by New York League of Conservation Voters

 

An organization that empowers New Yorkers to make environmental change recognizes EV Infrastructure Leader.

.

Albany, NY – The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) has selected Livingston Energy Group as the honoree for their annual Capital Region Cocktail Party on April 17th at the Corning Tower Observation Deck.  NYLCV selected the green energy technology business for its commitment to environmental progress in the Capital Region and beyond. Honoree selection is decided with input from the NYLCV’s Capital Region Chapter Board and historically consists of sector leaders who prioritize NYLCV’s mission of fighting for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space.

“The New York League of Conservation Voters is thrilled to honor Livingston Energy Group at our 2023 Capital Region Cocktail Party in Albany. One of our top priorities is investing in decarbonizing transportation across the state. Transportation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York, damaging our public health and concentrating pollution in low-income communities and communities of color. We commend Livingston for their commitment to investing in electric vehicle charging and the necessary infrastructure,” says Julie Tighe, President of NYLCV.

“We’re committed to the investment and expansion of New York’s infrastructure and the greater green economy and are honored to be recognized by the League as a leader in the combined revolution of energy and transportation,” says Schuyler Poukish, CEO and Co-Founder of Livingston Energy Group.

“Livingston is proud to be making substantial investments throughout its facilities in New York state, adding over 100 high-tech jobs in the last few years.  With most of the EV charging industry offshoring hardware manufacturing and software development, it gives us a huge competitive advantage to be able to compete and win with our team we’ve built here in the state,” says Jason Zarillo, President and Co-Founder of Livingston Energy Group. 

The partners will be speaking at the event which will also feature a keynote address by Didi  Barret (D) Assembly District 106, Chair of the Committee on Energy.

To reserve your space at the event visit NYLCV 2023 Capital Region Cocktail Party or contact Emily Poole at (212) 361-6350, ext. 212, or epoole@nylcv.org.

About Livingston Energy Group

Livingston Charge Port™ powered by Lynkwell, provides an end-to-end turnkey equipment and software solution for sustainable and cost-effective EV charging infrastructure, and is well positioned as a deployment partner for any organization in the industry. Aggregating the best AC/DCFC equipment and providing customizable and brandable software; we help design, install, and maintain sites, with cooperative ownership/investment, as well as customer and warranty support. Integration-ready for onsite battery, solar generation, and energy management systems for resilient micro-grid deployments, and a platform to explore scalable economic models from demand management and energy arbitrage with utilities, to supporting public fleet and carshare programs.

About NY League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)

NYLCV is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space through political action. They are non-partisan, pragmatic, and effective.

Find them online and on social media at:

https://nylcv.org/, https://www.facebook.com/nylcv/, (34) NYLCV – YouTube, https://www.instagram.com/nylcv

 

 

 

EV HUB, IPMI & Member News, Mobility Resource Center, News, Resources, Sustainability, Technology

Ribbon Cut on the Largest EV Charging Station Deployment in Upstate NY

Leave a comment

 

Van Patten, Livingston Energy Group, and National Grid Cut the Ribbon on the Largest EV Charging Station Deployment in Upstate New York

 

Project is consistent with Van Patten’s focus on the future of their organization and the technology that will get them there.

Jonesville, NY –Van Patten Golf Club has been one of the top golf courses in the Capital Region of New York State since its founding in 1968. Much of their success over the years can be attributed to their dedication to their sport and their constant self-evolution as a destination. The club has taken a step toward the future of green energy in their latest investment; an installation of 50 charging stations for electric vehicles. Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, is a Schenectady, NY-based solution provider for EV charging stations. They have partnered with National Grid’s make-ready program to secure grant funding for Van Patten’s project. This installation is the largest single deployment of electric vehicle chargers in Upstate New York and is setting an example for others in the entertainment and tourism industry to make changes to accommodate the increase in electric vehicle drivers.

Located in Jonesville, NY just north of Clifton Park, Van Patten Golf Club is host to a recently renovated 27-hole course and 15,000 square-foot clubhouse that features a full restaurant and bar. Their venue space allows them to host and facilitate local events, making them a destination not just for their members but for the public as well. This is precisely why Van Patten has chosen to accommodate its ever-growing patronage by providing vehicle charging stations to all those who visit.

Since 2016, Livingston Energy Group has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies and is focused on cutting-edge solutions to support the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption.  Through their robust catalog of hardware and software solutions, they can design EV charging solutions for any size deployment. The 50 charging stations at the Van Patten Golf Club utilize the Livingston Charge Port EV charging network that allows their patrons to easily locate and activate the charging stations as well as enables the golf club to use real-time station monitoring.

The Van Patten Golf Club, Livingston Energy Group, National Grid, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new charging stations on Thursday, December 1st at 11:30 AM.

“It’s great to be in Clifton Park at the Van Patten Golf Club for the unveiling of a whopping 50 new electric vehicle charging stations for those with electric cars. Thanks to the Van Patten Golf Club, Livingston Energy Group, National Grid, the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for making this possible for patrons of the golf club,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“Congratulations to The Van Patten Golf Course and its partners, Executive Electric, Livingston Energy Group and National Grid, on today’s unveiling of the largest electric vehicle charging station in Upstate New York,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh.  “As more New Yorkers transition to electric vehicles, it is important to make these charging stations more centrally located and accessible for residents and visitors alike.”

“As New York continues its transition to clean energy, it’s important that we continue to support and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Thanks to Van Patten Golf Course & Executive Electric, Livingston Energy Group and National Grid, the largest electric vehicle charging station deployment in the state is now located here in the Capital Region”, said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a long-standing member of the NYS Assembly Committee on Energy. “This announcement marks another important step in achieving our goal of building more sustainable, vibrant communities. I commend the local organizations and community leaders that worked collaboratively on this important project.”

Joe Gunther, General Manager at Van Patten Golf Club, said “The Van Patten Golf Course has always been committed to providing our golfers with accommodations that make their day fun and worry-free. Now, with the help of Executive Electric, National Grid, and Livingston Energy, we are able to provide EV owners the opportunity to charge their vehicles while they enjoy a round of golf or a fabulous meal at The Cooley Kill Restaurant. Electric Vehicles are quickly becoming the future for New York State, and we are proud to be one of the largest charging stations currently available for EV owners.”

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs added, “As Saratoga County’s Tourism Promotion Agency, we’re getting more and more requests from visitors and prospective visitors about where they can access EV stations and the same is true of people relocating to our area, putting EV stations at local attractions, like the Van Patten Golf Club, is just a smart business strategy for both the golf course and Livingston Energy as well as a statement of their commitment to our environment.”

“As both an area business executive and town of Clifton Park resident, I am excited that the Van Patten Golf Club has taken the bold step of putting such a large number of EV stations at their facility,” says Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Membership and Community Advancement, Capital Region Chamber.  “With a looming deadline just 12 years away for all-EV new car sales in New York State, the infrastructure simply must be in place or we are going to face serious mobility challenges as a society.   Thanks to the visionary work of Livingston Energy and the foresightedness of the Van Patten management team, a solid step forward has been taken towards preparing us for the realities of 2035.”

Brian Sano, Regional Executive, National Grid commented that, “This installation at Van Patten Golf Course includes 50 plugs that National Grid contributed $270,000 to help fund as part of our statewide effort to increase chargers. Our program will fund up to 100% of the electric infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations like those here in Clifton Park. Working with local installers, like Livingston Energy, has made these projects possible.”

“Livingston Energy Group is proud to partner with Van Patten Golf Club and National Grid on this record-breaking initiative,” said Nick DiSarro, Director of Project Design and Development at Livingston Energy Group.  “We are excited to take part in a project of this magnitude, that allows for patrons and guests to charge up while they are at Van Patten. This project has gone hand-in-hand with the recent restructuring and renovation of the entire course and will ensure that their location continues to draw activity to their clubhouse throughout the off-season.”

The installation of 50 EV charging ports at Van Patten Golf Club is an exciting new amenity for visitors as well as the general public. Guests attending their numerous golf outings, weddings, banquets and special events will have the opportunity to charge their vehicles while they are enjoying all that the location has to offer. The charging stations are accessible through the Charge Port EV Charging mobile app available on the Google Play & iOS app stores. Learn more about Van Patten’s current golfing options, events, and renovation plans on their website. https://www.vanpattengolf.com/

About Livingston Energy Group

A New York based energy technology company, providing a full suite of services and equipment for the installation and management of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the required infrastructure. Since 2016, the company has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies; and is now focused on cutting-edge solutions to support the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption. Livingston offers a robust catalog of hardware and software solutions that utilize the Livingston Charge Port EV charging network that easily integrates with new and existing installations.  Learn more about Livingston Energy Group’s offerings at https://www.solution.energy.

About Van Patten Golf Club

Located in beautiful Southern Saratoga County, in the hamlet of Jonesville, 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs, this 27-Hole Public Golf Course is a challenge to all levels of handicap. Built in 1968 the course features large, mature, spacious greens, sloping wide fairways and expansive views of the countryside. In 2004 the sequence of the golf holes was reconfigured when the building of the 15,000 sq. foot Grand Clubhouse, The Vista, was completed and opened to the public. The unique challenging setting makes this course well worth the trip from any location.

https://www.vanpattengolf.com/

About National Grid

At National Grid, we are committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve.

We are one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US — serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts.

We are at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society — transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Every day we work with stakeholders to promote the development and implementation of more sustainable, innovative and affordable energy solutions.

We are proud of the contributions our work and our people make towards the prosperity and wellbeing of our customers, communities and investors.

https://www.nationalgridus.com/Default.aspx

 

EV HUB, IPMI & Member News, Mobility Resource Center, News, Resources, Sustainability, Technology

LEGOLAND® Installs New Livingston Charge Port Electric Vehicle Chargers

Leave a comment

 

LEGOLAND® New York Resort Installs New Livingston Charge Port Electric Vehicle Chargers for Guests’ Use

 

 

PEARL RIVER, NY – LEGOLAND® New York Resort is ensuring guests with electric vehicles can focus on having fun while their vehicles charge during their bricktastic day! The Goshen theme park has installed a new bank of EV charging stations in its parking lot for guest use.

Two of the charging stations are in the Park’s main parking lot and three more are in the parking lot of LEGOLAND® Hotel. Each station can charge two vehicles. The project was made possible in part by O&R’s PowerReady Program (PRP) which is designed to help develop hundreds of new public and customer-owned EV charging stations throughout its New York service area.

Getting a Charge Out of Legoland

LEGOLAND® New York Resort recently installed a new bank of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for guest use in the parking lot of its theme park in Goshen. The project was made possible in part by Orange & Rockland’s PowerReady Program (PRP) which is designed to help develop hundreds of new public and customer-owned EV charging stations throughout its New York service area. Trying out the new charger on one of O&R’s electric vehicles are, from left: Tom Mittler, Communications Manager for Livingston Energy Group; Stephanie Johnson, LEGOLAND New York Divisional Director; Andrew Farrell, Section Manager of Orange & Rockland’s Electric Vehicle Programs and Orville Cocking, Vice President – Operations at Orange & Rockland.

“At LEGOLAND New York Resort, we’re always looking for ways to build sustainability into every aspect of our park and hotel operations,” said LEGOLAND New York Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson. “From our benches made from 940 recycled milk containers to the paper straws we use at all our drink stations, we strive to take care of our environment in ways big and small. These EV chargers are a natural fit for us, allowing our guests with electric vehicles to focus on building unforgettable memories with their families.”

Livingston Energy Group installed and will be managing the EV chargers at Legoland NY Resort. Livingston is an approved installer for O&R’s PRP and is focused on maximizing the adoption of electric vehicle charging equipment.

“Livingston Energy Group is proud to partner with Legoland and Orange & Rockland on this wonderful initiative,” said Tom Mittler, Communications Manager for Livingston Energy Group.  “The tourism industry in NYS has been bouncing back in a huge way in the past two years. We hope more attractions and destinations follow Legoland’s example to increase the accessibility of EV charging at their locations.”

Orange & Rockland Vice President – Operations Orville Cocking said, “At O&R, we are moving away from purchasing vehicles powered by fossil fuels. We are committed to empowering our customers to do the same by helping them make the transition to electric vehicles. Every person who chooses to go electric is supporting cleaner air and a healthier environment.”

O&R’s PowerReady Program is providing incentives that can cover up to 100% of the EV charging stations’ installation costs (depending on eligibility criteria) for Level 2 or direct current fast charging stations at commercial facilities, multifamily buildings, or parking areas.

Chargers, which meet minimum program requirements, are eligible to recover up to 50% of the cost. Chargers, which are publicly accessible and have non-proprietary plugs, may receive up to 90% of the cost, and if located in a low- or moderate-income community are eligible for up to 100% of the cost. To get started, visit: oru.com/powerready.

About LEGOLAND® New York Resort

AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® New York Resort! Ride, splash, and build your way through seven themed lands at the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination! Get a Minifigure’s eye view of how LEGO is made on the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride, save the kingdom on the Dragon Coaster, get your official LEGOLAND Driver’s License in LEGO City, and explore cities built out of millions of bricks in Miniland. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay the night at LEGOLAND Hotel, with 250 fully themed rooms just steps away from the Park! Find us in the Hudson Valley 60 miles from New York City. Visit LEGOLAND.com/New-York to learn more.

About Livingston Energy Group

Livingston Energy Group is a New York based energy technology company, providing a full suite of turnkey deployment services and equipment for the installation and management of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The company has become one of the fastest growing electric vehicle charging station providers, with nearly 1200 stations under management in New York State alone, and products and services across all of North America. Since 2016, the company has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies. Livingston provides an array of charging equipment and custom software solutions to meet the needs of the growing electric transportation industry.

About Orange & Rockland (O&R)

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York.

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

Growing List of Cities Requiring New Buildings to Include EV Parking

Leave a comment

person charging an electric vehicleWashington, D.C., has joined the growing list of cities that are requiring new buildings to include EV parking in their plans.

As reported by Smart Cities Dive, new and refurbished commercial and multi-unit buildings in Washington, D.C., that have at least three off-road parking spaces will be required to make at least 20% of those spaces available to accommodate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, under a new law that took effect this year.

The new requirement came in response to public concern that families in apartment buildings or without garages did not have access to EV chargers, a barrier to purchasing a car. The make-ready rule is part of the city’s goal to have at least 25% of new vehicles registered by 2035 be zero-emissions. Similar make-ready requirements have been adopted or introduced over the past year in cities including Orlando, Florida, Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City as part of a broad effort to increase EV access.

 

EV HUB, IPMI Blog, Resources

New Life for Old Batteries

Leave a comment

Electric Car Battery PackBy Leslie L. Stone, CAPP

Although the internal combustion engine is not yet on life support, the lockstep march toward zero emissions is certainly well underway. The supply of petroleum-based fuels is finite and no one is arguing against cleaner air. California is leading the way with an executive order that mandates that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state be zero emissions by 2035. It stands to reason that other progressive states, and ultimately an order at the federal level, are not too far behind. Major vehicle producers are announcing additions to their EV line-up, including a 1000HP Hummer by GMC.

With electric vehicles come batteries–lots and lots of batteries. Research and development have been able to extend the life of these batteries, but ultimately these storage devices will continue to have a limited useful life for the foreseeable future. How many batteries are we talking about? A recent article in Pocket predicts “12M tons of lithium-ion batteries are expected to retire between now and 2030.”

What can be done with this tsunami of batteries that are past their initial useful life? The most predictable answer is recycling. However, there is another school of thought proposing that a second life as storage cells may actually be the better answer for society and for the environment. It would be interesting to see some of these batteries resurrected to store solar energy in meters or charging stations at the curb, in lots, or in parking decks. From an initial life in mobility to a second life in parking, it is an innovative idea worth considering.

Leslie L. Stone, CAPP, is general manager with National Express Transit.

IPMI & Member News

Member News: Blink Charging Acquires Blue Corner, Expanding European EV Charging Footprint

Leave a comment

Blink Charging Acquires Blue Corner, Expanding European EV Charging Footprint

– Acquisition adds 7,071 charging ports to Blink’s portfolio across four countries in Western Europe

Miami Beach, FL – May 11, 2021 – Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, today announced that it acquired the European EV charging operator Blue Corner N.V., based in Antwerp, Belgium, and its portfolio of 7,071 charging ports and a robust European charging network. The acquisition was made with a combination of cash and stock for €20 million (or approximately $24 million) and gives Blink complete operational control of Blue Corner and its EV charging assets. The acquisition is part of Blink’s broader strategic international expansion plans and provides the Company a significant infrastructure footprint in the region. Blue Corner chargers are located across Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France.

Blink’s European expansion allows the Company to capitalize on the robust European EV industry immediately. “EVs enjoy a much higher market share in Europe. This brings increased utilization for EV charging stations. In addition, the historically higher price of fuel makes driving an EV a stronger value proposition for drivers,” stated Blink Founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Farkas.

The European EV market is growing faster than the United States. Sales of plug-in electric vehicles in Europe rose 137% to 1.4 million vehicles last year, whereas U.S. sales rose 4% to 328,000, according to ev-volumes.com. The surge in EV adoption will increase demand for EV charging infrastructure. In addition, European regulations are further accelerating widespread EV adoption regulatory support for zero-emission vehicles.

“We are very excited about this acquisition and the opportunity it provides Blink to have a significant presence in Europe quickly. As a key contributor to the expanding EV landscape, we are continuously looking for opportunities to strategically increase our global assets while also making EV charging more accessible. International expansion is fundamental to our rapid growth and will accelerate the success we are already achieving in the region,” stated Farkas. “Our aggressive international strategy complements a series of significant domestic wins and new contracts that have exponentially expanded our network in the US.”

“Blue Corner’s mission is to build a sustainable society and be ready for tomorrow’s driver. Since Blink shares this philosophy, it was a logical step to join forces. I am convinced that Blue Corner, as part of Blink Charging, can acquire a strong market presence throughout Europe. This acquisition allows us to significantly strengthen both our financial and organizational structure,” shared Peter Buyckx, Managing Director of Blue Corner.

To facilitate Blink’s European expansion, the Company also announced the formation of Blink Holdings B.V., a new Dutch company in Amsterdam, which will drive the growth of Blink’s European presence. The existing Blue Corner operations, management team, and personnel will remain unchanged following the acquisition.

Blink formally entered the European market in September 2019 with Blink Charging Hellas, a joint venture between Blink Charging Co. and Eunice Energy Group. The partnership began with the first deployment of Blink electric vehicle charging stations in Greece as part of the green energy electrification of the Rio-Antirrio “Charilaos Trikoupis” Bridge. Significant subsequent announcements have been made, including a partnership of Blink Charging Hellas and Nissan Nik. I. Theocharakis S.A and the purchase of 45 dual-port Blink charging stations by Public Power Company (PPC S.A.) for deployment across Greece. This tender by PPC S.A. was the first following the utility’s public announcement to enter into the Greek EV charging market with 10,000 charging stations. Also, in September 2019, Blink announced its first deployments of EV charging stations in Israel through its wholly-owned subsidiary Blink Charging Ltd.

ABOUT BLINK CHARGING

Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and has deployed over 23,000 charging stations, many of which are networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of the Company’s charging locations worldwide. Blink Charging’s principal line of products and services include its Blink EV charging network (“Blink Network”), EV charging equipment, and EV charging services. The Blink Network uses proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks the EV charging stations connected to the network and the associated charging data. With global EV purchases forecasted to rise to 10 million by 2025 from approximately 2 million in 2019, the Company has established key strategic partnerships for rolling out adoption across numerous location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences and condos, workplace locations, health care/medical facilities, schools and universities, airports, auto dealers, hotels, mixed-use municipal locations, parks and recreation areas, religious institutions, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, supermarkets, and transportation hubs. For more information, please visit https://www.blinkcharging.com/.

ABOUT BLUE CORNER

Blue Corner started in 2011 as one of the pioneers of charging points for electric vehicles. Based on its sustainable mission, the supplier and manager of EV charging facilities wants to make electric driving easy and accessible for everyone. Blue Corner focuses on smart and comprehensive 360° solutions with subscriptions for professionals, the general public and partners. Its rapidly growing network has over 7,000 charging points spread across Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France. Blue Corner’s public charging card makes a total of 250,000 charging points accessible in the rest of Europe. The company has 30 employees and is headquartered in Antwerp. www.bluecorner.be

Blink Media Contact: PR@BlinkCharging.com

Blink Investor Relations Contact: IR@BlinkCharging.com

IPMI & Member News

Member News: San Antonio City Council Names Blink Charging as Provider of EV Charging Infrastructure for the City’s EVSA Program Following Competitive Proposal Process

Leave a comment

San Antonio City Council Names Blink Charging as Provider of EV Charging Infrastructure for the City’s EVSA Program Following Competitive Proposal Process

First Phase of EV San Antonio program to include up to 140 Blink Owned Level 2 Charging Ports and 3 DC Fast Chargers

Miami Beach, FL – February 9, 2020 – Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, announced an agreement with the City of San Antonio, TX. The award makes Blink Charging the provider of EV charging equipment for the city’s EVSA program aimed at increasing access to public EV charging infrastructure. Initially, the award enlists the Company to deploy up to 140 Blink owned level 2 charging ports and 3 DC fast-charging stations throughout the city.

The Company won the bid after a competitive process. The award was approved by the San Antonio City Council on Thursday, February 4, after a thorough review of Blink, the Blink equipment, services, and team. Blink also was able to offer the city a cost neutral proposal for the EV charging program through the Company’s unique ownership model. Blink and the City of San Antonio will share the ongoing revenue from the charging stations.

“We’re excited to serve as an EV charging operator for the City of San Antonio. It is a testament that the quality of the Blink products and services and the differentiation of our business models which are our key competitive differences in the EV charging industry,” commented Michael D. Farkas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blink.

“As a company, Blink is honored to help the city achieve its climate, sustainability, transportation, and air quality goals. Encouraging widespread adoption of EVs is core to Blink’s mission, and this includes minimizing the barriers to EV charging for all residents.  Texas continues to be a growth market for us and for EVs, and this project will help to increase public awareness by increasing the number of charging options available in the state. We are committed to bringing affordable, convenient, and efficient charging stations to the growing number of EV drivers, and the addition of the stations in San Antonio further enhances our position as a leading provider in the ongoing development of EV infrastructure,” commented Mr. Farkas.

The first phase of this agreement will see 50 dual-port Blink owned chargers deployed in strategic locations around the city. Blink will analyze suggested publicly-accessible sites by conducting thorough assessments across San Antonio in order to identify ideal locations for its IQ 200 Level 2 EV charging stations. This project supports the City’s EV San Antonio program led by the Office of Sustainability. EVSA is a multi-faceted program designed to support electric transportation and EV drivers through education, encouragement, infrastructure, and policy with a focus on equity.

Emissions from the transportation sector are the second largest contributor to San Antonio’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to SA Climate Ready, Climate Action & Adaptation Plan.  Electric vehicles produce zero emissions and will make San Antonio a cleaner and more livable city for all its residents.

To support its business model, Blink plans to apply for grant funds from the state-wide Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This historic $10.4 million fund is specifically for establishing Level 2 charging across Texas in order to improve air quality.

“The City of San Antonio is looking forward to working with Blink on this project. Through our analyses, we know that large sections of our city are without EV charging infrastructure or have limited charging options. We hope that additional charging infrastructure that is publicly-accessible will relieve range anxiety and communicate that San Antonio is an EV-friendly city,” stated San Antonio Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer Julia Murphy.

ABOUT BLINK CHARGING

Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and has deployed over 23,000 charging stations, many of which are networked EV charging stations, enabling EV drivers to easily charge at any of the Company’s charging locations worldwide. Blink Charging’s principal line of products and services include its Blink EV charging network (“Blink Network”), EV charging equipment, and EV charging services. The Blink Network uses proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks the EV charging stations connected to the network and the associated charging data. With global EV purchases forecasted to rise to 10 million by 2025 from approximately 2 million in 2019, the Company has established key strategic partnerships for rolling out adoption across numerous location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences and condos, workplace locations, health care/medical facilities, schools and universities, airports, auto dealers, hotels, mixed-use municipal locations, parks and recreation areas, religious institutions, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, supermarkets, and transportation hubs. For more information, please visit https://www.blinkcharging.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements, along with terms such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and other comparable terms, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of Blink Charging and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in Blink Charging’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal securities law, Blink Charging undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.

Blink Media Contact: PR@BlinkCharging.com

Blink Investor Relations Contact: IR@BlinkCharging.com

EV HUB, IPMI Blog, Resources

U.K. District Offers Free Parking for Electric Vehicles

Leave a comment

EV parking spaceIn response to what it’s calling a “climate emergency,” one district in the United Kingdom plans to offer free parking for electric vehicles. Traditionally-fueled vehicles will continue to pay to park.

The Warwick District Council announced the plan yesterday, offering parking permits at no charge to drivers of EVs; it appears hybrid cars do not qualify for the offer. The cost to park for other drivers will increase slightly, at least for stays of more than four hours. The Council said the plan is designed to get people thinking more about buying electric-powered vehicles and driving less overall.

Read the whole story here.

Parking & Mobility Article, Planning, Design & Construction, Regulatory Environment, Resources

The California City Embracing the Future of EVs

Leave a comment

By Taylor Kim, AIA, LEED AP

HOME TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) PIONEER TESLA, it is no surprise that the city of Palo Alto, Calif., leads the nation in electric vehicle sales at nearly 30 percent of new cars sold. As the city has embraced this technology and its role as an EV am­bassador, it has enacted some of the most robust EV parking requirements in the country.

In 2014, Palo Alto established itself as a pioneer of EV legislation when it passed a first-of-its-kind law that required new homes, apartments, office buildings, and hotels to be wired for EV charging. To encour­age adoption, the city offered a variety of incentives such as free EV charging; a $30,000 rebate to offices and residential complexes that install chargers; and a streamlined permit process for residential EV parking. The city’s current goal is to have 6,000 residential EVs by 2020 and 19,000 by 2030. This proactive legisla­tion has proven remarkably successful; Palo Alto’s EV charging spaces are currently at around 40 percent occupancy.

The Cost
Providing this much EV infrastructure comes at a high cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a single level 2 charging station—Palo Alto’s standard—can cost up to $65,000 with an additional $12,700 for installation. EV charging points also lead to an in­crease in electricity demand; Palo Alto projects a 6 to 7 percent increase when EVs dominate the automobile market. However, when this infrastructure is includ­ed during initial construction verses a future retrofit, much of the cost can be mitigated.

Armed with this knowledge, when Palo Alto needed more public parking to support a new public safety building planned for downtown, the city saw an opportunity to invest in the electrical future they wished to achieve. When the new California Avenue parking structure opens in 2020, 25 percent of the 630 parking spaces will be wired for EV charging, with 5 percent, or 32 spaces, accessible on its first day of operation. The remaining 125 spaces will have wiring in place so that charging stations can be installed in the future.

Challenges
Such ambitious EV requirements pose unique design challenges to accommodate the increase in both electrical capacity and load. The transformer at the California Avenue Garage had to be upsized to be able to accommodate chargers for 125 future EV spaces. To lessen the overall power demand, 95 percent of the EV spaces in the facility will use power-sharing dual chargers. When two cars are plugged into a dual charger, each will receive 50 percent power, which will decrease the electrical requirements by almost half of that used by single chargers.

Providing sufficient EV accessibility requires careful consideration as well. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not provide a national standard when it comes to EV, but the state of California has stringent requirements when it comes to EV accessibility. For the California Avenue Garage, this means the number of required EV accessible charging spaces is calcu­lated based on the facility’s total number of charging stations rather than the total number of accessible spaces, increasing the number of accessible spaces re­quired. Providing the additional spaces and clearances to accommodate this can in turn affect the overall stall count and efficiency.

When the new California Avenue parking structure opens in 2020, 25 percent of the 630 parking spaces will be wired for EV charging, with 5 percent, or 32 spaces, accessible on its first day of operation. The remaining 125 spaces will have wiring in place so that charging stations can be installed in the future.

Looking Ahead
As demand for EV charging continues to increase, effi­cient utilization of charging infrastructure will become more and more important. Cars that monopolize spaces long after they are done charging mean less charging for others who need it. For example, when someone parks in an EV charging space on an office campus, that person isn’t likely to move his or her car when it is finished charging so someone else can use the space. That means a single space may only charge one car throughout the workday. To address this, some Palo Alto office campuses, such as Facebook, use EV valets who unplug a car once it is fully charged and move the cable to the next car.

Such adaptations are critical to the development of EV infrastructure and important to bear in mind when consider­ing the projected future of EVs in the United States. While EV sales currently make up only 2 percent of the national market share, by 2025 that number is expected to increase to 7 per­cent, with around 1.1 million EVs sold. Other automakers are also hopping on the EV bandwagon. According to Bloomberg, the number of EV models on the market is predicted to dou­ble by 2022. Palo Alto’s accomplishments and dedication to promoting EVs and providing EV infrastructure can help us better understand how to prepare for an electrified future.

Read the article here.

TAYLOR KIM, AIA, LEED AP, is a project manager at Watry Design and a member of IPMI’s Sustainability Committee.. She can be reached at tkim@watrydesign.com.