electric charging stations

happy monday. hertz purchases 100,000 teslas and what it means for many.

Oct 25, 2021

last monday hertz made a mega announcement that they’re purchasing 100,000 teslas. in response the wall street journal‘s editorial board opines below what this means.

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the more you look behind corporate and government press releases these days, the more you learn about their mutual benefit society. we wrote tuesday about the many subsidies for tesla’s electric cars, but it turns out there’s also a pot of subsidy gold behind the hertz decision to buy 100,000 teslas for its car-rental fleet.

tesla ceo elon musk says he isn’t giving hertz a discount on the reported $4.2 billion order. but he doesn’t need to because the house reconciliation spending bill includes a 30% tax credit for “qualified commercial electric vehicles.”

the text doesn’t clearly define what is a “qualified commercial electric” vehicle, but our sources say hertz’s teslas would likely make the cut. the credit could save hertz $1.26 billion and make a tesla almost as cheap for hertz to buy as a toyota camry.

hertz plans to install thousands of electric-vehicle chargers, which could also be eligible for taxpayers subsidies. the house spending bill extends a 30% tax credit for the installation of ev charging stations through 2031, which is on top of the $7.5 billion appropriation for stations in the separate senate infrastructure bill.

hertz’s interim ceo mark fields is casting the company’s tesla order as a strategic business decision and evidence that evs are going mainstream. maybe, and there’s no doubt that the tesla order is winning progressive accolades for the rental-car company. electric vehicles are also less expensive to maintain than gas-powered cars, so they could reduce hertz’s operating costs.

but if evs make business sense, why must the government subsidize them? democrats complain that corporations aren’t paying their fair share in taxes, but then they give them generous tax breaks for promoting progressive policies that reduce their tax payments.

enjoy that hertz tesla ride. you’ll have paid more for it than the rental contract says.

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well ok, politics aside, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. it’s still a very green deal. a simple rental agreement equates to your ev training wheels which will lead to an ev purchase for many and more much needed charging stations. it’s one giant step in the right direction.

electric car charger evbox plugs into usa via chicago for long-distance solutions.

Feb 18, 2020

holding back the electric revolution in the u.s.has been driver concern of feeling confined within the city with no long-distance trips for fear of running out of juice. that could change rather quickly.

amsterdam-based evbox – part of the french energy company engie – promises to solve long-distance worries. the company has just announced the lease of a north american headquarters and production facility, taking over the former motorola site at the innovation park campus in libertyville, outside chicago. the company which currently is in new york city, san francisco, and los angeles, considered 33 locations across the country, including detroit and charleston, s.c.

with an impressive business model in the netherlands, evbox drives sustainable mobility by providing smart and scalable charging infrastructure and charging management software to electric vehicles around the world. powered by engie, evbox has placed over 115,000 charging points across more than 55 countries. with residential, commercial, public, and fast-charging solutions, evbox is helping to build a future where everyday transport is emission-free. and they plant trees.

the plan is to start operation this summer and prepare a production line for around 200 units of dc charging units per week in the initial phase. that would be up to 10,000 dc chargers annually. in anticipation, evbox has redesigned their charging station for use along highways and industrial areas to connect urban centers already flush with chargers.

the charging stations offer an elegant signature design and will simultaneously charges up to four vehicles. an intuitive display lets you charge and pay with any smart device. as technology changes to accommodate ever more advanced cars, the modular design of the station allows customizable installation and quick exchange of parts.

at ces 2020, evbox introduced two models below > left evbox troniq 100 / right evbox ultroniq

> fast charger evbox troniq 100 was developed with the end-user in mind, in order to provide 100 kw charging and to ensure high reliability. high performance components allow maximum power to be delivered at all times.
> ultra-fast charger ultroniq with the exponential increase of evs with higher charging capability and offers up to 350 kw. its modular configurations of different units assure compatibility for every use case across the world. the design will maintain optimal performance even in extreme weather conditions at any location, and the larger integrated touch screen makes it easy for the ev driver to interact with the station.

[ key features of evbox troniq 100 and evbox ultroniq ] > full power continuously, distributed efficiently – 200 a full power with evbox troniq 100 and 500 a full power with evbox ultroniq
> load balancing to make the most efficient use of available power
> training and certification to partners for installations
> support with on-site commissioning to ensure a smooth start
> auto-retractable cables to increase their longevity
> larger touch screen for easy use
> stations are designed to be accessible to everyone – wheelchair adapted

evbox troniq 100 (up to 100 kw) to be available globally from q2 2020
evbox ultroniq (up to 350 kw) to be available globally from q3 2020
note: the above rollout dates were mentioned at ces2020 which seems improbable and we’ll let’s wait and see.
note: also wondering how tesla coast-to-coast charging system is doing

above > evbox known for its elegant designs creates a next level charger for the u.s. market – evbox iqon is designed by dutch design firm [ vanberlo ] // the charger won the prestigious 2019 [ IF world design guide award ] [ evbox details ] [ vimeo ]

enel x with koz susani design offers up an e-mobility revolution with juicepole public chargers for electric vehicles.

Oct 21, 2019

enel x, a leading european electric energy provider, launched in 2017 the campaign e-mobility revolution, to install thousands of public chargers to recharge electric vehicles.

chicago-based koz susani design was tasked with designing the entire portfolio of these electric vehicle chargers. this was a rare opportunity to design a product with no precedents, to create a new urban icon designed to look familiar in the city landscape while providing an innovative function.

electric cars promise to be respectful of the quality of life in a city. likewise, juicepole, is designed as a piece of urban furniture, with a design language that integrates perfectly with any street, whether in the historic center of a small italian town or in the parking lot of the most modern shopping center.

the iconic shape is a pure cylinder, a simple, familiar form. the size of the charging station is miniaturized, to allow its top to fit below the line-of-sight while reducing the visual presence on the street.

there’s a separation between the hi-tech ‘head’ where the high-resolution user interface is, and the ‘body’ that uses traditional architectural materials like stainless steel and a variety of stone finishings. these ‘open source’ materials enables every city to select the material that best mirrors its architectural landscape.

currently juicepole, is only available in european market, but the company itself, enel x, is active in the u.s.a. too, and they’ll have similar products for the u.s.a. market in upcoming months.

the enel x juicepole and juicebox, designed by koz susani design, have been selected for adi design index 2019, selection for compasso d’oro, the most prestigious design award in italy. juicepole also won the core77 design award 2019, notable, transportation design.

13 energizing all-electric vehicles for 2020 and 5 reasons why.

Oct 14, 2019

above > aston martin rapide e

the big automakers are eyeing electric because electric cars provide many benefits to drivers. here’s five:

1 > electric vehicles save you money
every electricity provider in the 50 largest us cities offers a rate plan that makes filling up on electricity cheaper than gasoline. view average savings in your city.

2 > electric vehicles cut your emissions
electric vehicles continue to get cleaner.

3 > electric vehicles offer a better driving experience
an electric engine provides a smooth instant torque with a responsive acceleration and deceleration and a low center of gravity. electric vehicles has been recognized in race series like formula e.

4 > electric vehicles cut your oil use
electric vehicles can cut u.s.a. oil use and offer a cleaner, better way to fuel transportation for everyone.

5 > electric vehicles are convenient
battery electric vehicles are mechanically much simpler than a conventional gasoline car.

we should see at least 15 new electric vehicles coming for the 2020 model year from both long-established automakers and high-tech start-up ventures:

aston martin rapide e < below >
a true exotic sports car. based on the low-slung rapide coupe, production will be limited to 155 units worldwide, with a sky-high sticker price. it’s expected to run for around 200 miles on a charge and register a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds. all 155 units are already pre-sold.

audi volkswagen-based e-tron suv < below >
audi will borrow volkswagen’s meb electric platform for use in its own small suv. it will become the third e-tron model – following the 2019 e-tron suv and sportback variants. this yet-unnamed model is an affordable, high-volume baby e-tron. promising 220 miles on a single charge from a 95-kwh pack.

bmw ix3 < below >
an electric crossover is equipped with a 70-kwh battery pack providing about 220 miles of range on a single charge. a single electric motor produces 270 horsepower.

chevy bolt ev < below >
the 2020 ev delivers a 259-mile electric driving range* on a full charge, which is a 21-mile increase over the previous model. this 8.8% driving range increase comes with no physical changes to the battery pack. the 2020 chevy bolt ev will get two new exterior colors: cayenne orange metallic and oasis blue. $37,495.

ford’s mustang-inspired electric suv < below >
a 300-mile all-electric sporty five-seat crossover suv. the ev offers wireless home charging and over-the-air software updates.

kia soul ev < below >
a new 64 kwh liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer battery pack should deliver well in excess of 200 miles on a charge. power will be bumped up to 200 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque. it will come with four drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking, including a setting for one-pedal driving.

mercedes-benz eqa < below >
an electric version of the gla, the hatchback is inspired by the concept eqa shown at the 2017 frankfurt auto show, does 0-62mph figure in the region of five seconds, a proposed 60-kwh battery and up to 250 miles of driving range, based on european emissions tests.

mercedes-benz eqc < below >
an suv with two electric motors that combine for an output of 402 horsepower with 564 pound-feet of torque. all-wheel-drive will be standard, along with a long list of convenience, connectivity, and safety features. range projected at plus 250 miles. around $80,000.

polestar (volvo) 2 < below >
volvo is launching a new high-tech sub-brand this year called polestar. its first model, the polestar 1, will be a plug-in hybrid, but the polestar 2 is a full-electric luxury four-door hatchback. a targeted a range of 275 miles with two electric motors. all-wheel drive will come standard. a limited number at $155,000.

porsche taycan < below >
porsche’s first full-electric model will be an ultra-exotic battery-powered four-door sports car. listed at 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, with 300 miles of range with a full battery, with the ability to recharge about 60 miles worth of energy in just four minutes. from $103,800.

rivian r1t < below >
startup rivian plans to introduce a futuristic-looking pickup truck for 2020 to be built in the former mitsubishi factory in normal, il. the r1t eyes a 400-mile range, with a quad-motor system for off-road adventures and 0-60 mph in three seconds on paved roads. starting at $62,000.

volkswagen id.4 < below >
a yet to be named all-electric crossover with three battery pack sizes offering between about 180 and 250 miles. an all-wheel-drive variant will also reportedly be available. about $30,000.

volvo xc40 electric < below >
in 2020, the first pure electric volvo will arrive in the form of a battery-powered xc40 small crossover. volvo executives hinted that the xc40 will offer about 250 miles of range – and come with a price tag below $50,000.

Hard charging tesla goes coast-to-coast stations next year.

May 31, 2013

the network right now | red (installed) grey (coming) | maps courtesy tesla

In promoting what he claimed to be a national network of “superchargers” for his Tesla electric cars, Elon Musk said when the zombie apocalypse comes, you’ll still be able to drive your Model S electric sports sedan coast to coast in the US. Those superchargers with solar panels will be off the grid.

The chargers cost an estimated $250,000 apiece—the price of an Aston Martin. The chargers are incompatible with all industry standards and work only with Tesla’s Model S—but they are way faster.

summer 2013

fall 2013

winter 2013

2014

2015

above> video courtesy of tesla | below> video courtesy of mike anthony autosports

[ official full release ]

Tesla dramatically expands supercharger network, delivery convenient, free long distance driving throughout U.S. and Canada.

MAY 30, 2013 – Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) today announced significant expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network. Supercharging enables Tesla Model S drivers to travel long distances, for free, indefinitely.

The expansion of the network builds upon the success of the Tesla Supercharger network that covers California and Nevada on the west coast and the Washington, DC to Boston region on the east coast. The Tesla Supercharger network has enabled an estimated 1 million miles of driving since going live in October 2012. Superchargers are designed for city to city travel, enabling Model S electric vehicle drivers to travel for about three hours, take a 20 to 30 minute break to grab lunch or a soda or coffee, and get back on the road charged up. For free.

With the accelerated rollout of the Tesla Supercharger network, Model S drivers can expect:
> Triple the number of Tesla Supercharger stations by the end of next month, including additional stations in California, coverage of the northwest region from Vancouver to Seattle to Portland, Austin to Dallas in Texas, Illinois and Colorado. There will also be four additional eastern seaboard stations, expanding the density of the network to provide for more convenient stopping points.
> Within six months the Tesla Supercharger network will connect most of the major metro areas in the US and Canada, including expansion into Arizona, additional stations in Texas, Florida, and the Midwest, stations connecting Ottawa to Montreal, and across North and South Carolina into Georgia. It will also be possible to travel diagonally across the country from Los Angeles to New York using only the Tesla Supercharger network.
> A year from now, the Tesla Supercharger network will stretch across the continent, covering almost the entire population of the US and Canada. The expansion of the network will mean that Model S drivers can take the ultimate road trip — whether that’s LA to New York, Vancouver to San Diego, or Montreal to Miami – without spending a cent on fuel.

In addition to the expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network itself, Tesla is improving the technology behind the Tesla Supercharger to dramatically decrease the amount of time it takes to charge Model S, cutting charging time in half relative to early trials of the system. The new technology, which is in beta test mode now and will be fully rolled out to customers this summer, will allow Model S to be charged at 120 kW, replenishing three hours of driving in just over 20 minutes.

[ about tesla ]
Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 10,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries.

[ forward-looking statements ]
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding future Tesla Supercharger locations, timing and capabilities, are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including potential difficulties in finding suitable Tesla Supercharger sites, negotiating leases or obtaining required permits for such locations, as well as the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations” in Tesla’s Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2013. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.

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