Travel GreenWire: Infracharge launches next generation of EV chargers
Infracharge
15th April 2010
Infracharge Technologies Plc, the parent company behind the POD Point charging unit, has launched two new electric vehicle charging products – FastCharge and HomeCharge – and announced a replacement to its existing POD Point unit to be called DuoCharge – all under the new Chargemaster brand.
Responding to a growing demand for charging units to offer different features suiting a variety of locations (offices, supermarkets, households, on-street, etc), Chargemaster has expanded its range of designs.
The Chargemaster FastCharge is the first 'fast charge’ unit to be introduced to the UK market. Delivering a 32 amp (seven kilowatt) current, the system is able to charge an electric car at more than twice the speed of London’s 200 existing on-street charge points. The FastCharge can charge two cars simultaneously from a single unit and uses the proposed European standard automotive connector.
The Chargemaster HomeCharge is the first charging station specifically designed for home use. Easily installed on a driveway or in a garage, the HomeCharge automatically uses low-cost night-time electricity tariffs which can save up to 70 per cent off the cost of charging. The unit also features the ability to remotely switch on the car’s heating and defrosting system 15 minutes before the owner needs to leave, providing a clear windscreen and a warm car without using battery charge. For peace of mind the HomeCharge conforms to the latest 'safety cut-off’ legislation and the unit is also future-ready for connection to Smartgrid Technologies.
To be launched in June 2010, the Chargemaster DuoCharge updates the existing standard rate, dual charging station with improved design and reliability features for on-street and car park charging. The modifications include updated styling, high resolution and high visibility colour screen, redesigned electronics and improved network communications. The design update also improves safety by eliminating the need to cross over charging cables.
David Martell of Infracharge Technologies Plc, commented; "We’re passionate about providing real alternatives to oil-dependent transport. Our three new charging units are a big step forward in supporting the growing demand for a practical and sustainable network for electric-powered vehicles. Chargemaster technology is reliable, easy to use and backed up by an advanced support system. We’re well placed to help the UK realise its electric ambitions."
In December 2009, London Mayor Boris Johnson laid out plans for 25,000 charging bays to be in place across London by 2015. In March this year, the Government also announced financing for three regions – London, Milton Keynes and the North East – to install over 10,000 charging locations as part of its 'Plugged in Places’ initiative.
The recent proposals further support the anticipated growth of electric cars expected from January 2011, when a 25 per cent (up to £5,000) Government subsidy on electric car purchases is introduced.
