ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, and Walmart today announced they will partner to install Blink Pedestal electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at select Walmart stores in California, Oregon, and Washington for The EV Project.
"Known for its low prices and ongoing sustainability initiatives, Walmart is an ideal host for Blink EV charging stations," said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, Inc. "This partnership will enhance the customer experience for EV drivers by enabling them to charge up at Blink charging stations while enjoying low prices at Walmart's convenient and recognizable locations."
Walmart joins a growing roster of national and regional partners who are participating in the robust data collection project. The EV Project's goal is to collect the data which will help guide the implementation of EV infrastructure to support the next wave of EVs.
ECOtality will install Blink charging stations at over ten Walmart locations for The EV Project. Most sites will have two Blink Pedestal chargers available for EV use, with the exception of one site in Oregon which will install a Blink DC Fast Charger. The Walmart locations were selected based on the EV Micro-Climate(TM) process, which takes into account traffic patterns, regional attractions, transportation hubs, guidance from Walmart and input from regional partners.
The Blink Network of charging stations provides EV drivers the freedom to travel as they choose and conveniently charge at Blink commercial locations along the way. EV drivers will be able to charge at any Blink station through a variety of options including interoperable RFID cards, smartphone applications, and mobile phone and credit card-based payment options. By becoming Blink Members, consumers may also yield even greater advantages of the Blink Network, such as discounted charging rates, reservation systems, and enhanced Blink Network capabilities.
ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project and is overseeing the installation of approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide EV infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 EVs. The project is a public-private partnership, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). For more information about The EV Project, please visit www.theevproject.com.