Coulomb Technologies knows mainstream auto manufacturers have plans to begin selling electric cars by 2010. Consumers will need a place to park their vehicles. Currently there is little if any infrastructure design with electric vehicles in mind, but Coulomb plans to solve that problem with their smart charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. Electric car owners who park next to one of Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network meters will be able to charge their cars while they sleep, shop, work or eat.
This is a great idea for those who rent an apartment and don’t have their own garage or driveway. Forget the idea of long extension cords. Coulomb envisions a system where vehicle owners subscribe to a monthly service. They would receive a key fob allowing them to park at any available meter. Below is how Coulomb describes a typical user experience:
The subscriber will use a navigation system to find the nearest available charging station. He will park the vehicle next to the Smartlet Charging Station. For 110V charging, the subscriber will swipe a key fob to be authenticated at the station, unlocking the Smartlet access door. After plugging in the cord, the door will lock in a partially open position to secure the cord and begin charging. After charging is complete, the subscriber will scan the key fob again to deactivate the charging station and unlock the access door. The cost of the transaction will be displayed on the charging station. The driver will replace the cord into its original position and can then drive away.
Not everyone who charges their car will need to subscribe. For example, if you rent an electric vehicle, you could make a one time charge payment using a cell phone or credit card to charge a car. Some businesses may offer free charging/parking to entice customers. Employers mighty offer charger parking to their employees as a benefit. Condominium communities could include ChargePoint Network fees with their monthly dues. Since the system uses bi-directional communication, you would only be charged for the electricity used.
The question becomes one of standardization. All electric vehicles will need to use the same 110v/220v recepticle . Just as there is a choice of unleaded or diesel gasoline, there needs to be electrical standards as well. What will happen to those who want to park a non-electric car or have their own portable solar charging kit? Will they be left to fight for the free spots at the mall?
The Mini E features it’s own regenerative breaking technology. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the motor reverses and acts like a generator, using the energy to recharge the battery.
