The Benefits of Smart Home Charging for Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids

Editor’s Note: This is a guest contribution by Richard Lowenthal, CEO of electric vehicle ChargePoint manufacturer Coulomb Technologies. See his last post here: Henrik Fisker Debuts Karma Plug-in Hybrid in San Jose. This is part of our ongoing series on EV Charging Infrastructure, which was initiated by Mayors Gavin Newsom and Sam Adams.

This week, Coulomb Technologies announced that Walnut Creek, California has become the third Bay Area city (along with San Jose and San Francisco) to deploy Coulomb’s ChargePoint™ Networked Charging Stations for electric vehicles.

Coulomb’s charging stations were officially welcomed in a ribbon cutting ceremony in downtown Walnut Creek.  We were joined by the city managers of Walnut Creek and Orinda as well as Walnut Creek city officials.  As many California readers know, Walnut Creek is considered one of the top destinations in the Bay Area, known for its outdoor festivals, performing arts scene and superb shopping and dining.  EV owners across the Bay Area now have a premier destination where they can recharge while enjoying downtown Walnut Creek.

• » See also: Leo Motors CEO Dr. Robert Kang on the Future of Electric Vehicles
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Infrastructure for EV’s is taking shape in the Bay Area. No doubt about it! Progressive Bay Area cities are leading by example when it comes to EV infrastructure.  Nowhere else in the world can drivers of electric vehicles travel from city to city and find charging stations.  The Cities of San Jose and San Francisco were the first installations for consumers and fleet owners and now with the addition of Walnut Creek to our network of charging stations, drivers can literally drive around the Bay Area and charge as they go.

We know about the benefits of networked infrastructure—it provides secure, safe and smart charging.  But what about charging in the home garage?

Coulomb has taken the conservative approach that EV owners will need 1.8 charging locations for every vehicle - one for where the car is parked at night and usually one for where the car is parked during the day.  We also assume that if someone has the opportunity to fuel their vehicle on household electricity, they will.

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