ChargePoint™
The ChargePoint™ Network is a necessary enabler for widespread adoption of electric vehicles, which have the potential to greatly decrease the world's reliance on oil as a transportation fuel. Electricity can be derived from clean, renewable sources and help solve the vehicle emissions problem. The networking capability of the ChargePoint™ Network can also help taxing authorities recover revenue lost when gasoline taxes diminish due to a shift away from gasoline and diesel toward electricity as transportation fuel.
Host Benefits:
- Allows hosts to cover costs of electricity, taxes, maintenance, and capital payback
- Provides host with revenue flow; similar to a vending machine model
- Eliminates energy theft (non-subscribers cannot use Smartlets)
- Greater public safety and reduced liability because Smartlet is de-energized until user is authenticated, and cord is plugged in
Station owners have the ability to:
- View Google Map based location and status of charging stations
- Start/Stop charging sessions
- Reboot charging stations
- View Radio Groups
- Add Smartlets to Radio Group
- View inventory reports
- Set various alarms and notification methods (e.g. SMS, e-mail, etc.)
- View usage reports
Subscriber Benefits:
- Inter-utility and Inter-service roaming gives drivers a global charging network
- Simple to use key fob/smart card system for authentication
- Eliminates cord theft because cord is locked into place until same subscriber unlocks it
- Integrates with navigation systems and Google maps so available stations can be found and routed to
- Networking also allows for implementation of grid friendly programs (Demand Response plans, Off-Peak plans, etc.)
- Remote Smartlet management (Firmware upgrades, remote GFCI resets, remote monitoring)
- Automatic configuration through wireless network - installers do not need IT skills
- New station viral-networking stations can be requested through the web portal and routed to the appropriate potential host
Getting Technical
ChargePoint™ Charging Stations deliver controlled power to effectively and efficiently charge electric vehicles (EV). The charging stations are easy to use and come in a variety of power and design options that integrate pleasant aesthetics, practical ergonomics and sturdy construction - ideal for home and for outdoor public applications.
Each station is embedded with an on-board computer, a fluorescent display, a standards based RFID reader, and a utility-grade meter providing precise, bi-directional energy measurement.
All stations are network-enabled, capable of reporting energy usage and communicating over the network with Software Application Services and Network Support Services to activate capabilities such as:
- Providing open access for all drivers using any standards based RFID card
- Generating revenue to offset electricity, capitol equipment and maintenance costs
- Sending SMS or Email notifications to the driver for charging complete or interruptions in charging
- Controlling access to eliminate energy theft and to enhance safety
- Integrating with the utility Smart Grid for demand side management and preferred pricing
- Remotely receiving software OTA upgrades to accommodate advancements in future EV charging technologies
