Way back in 1994, I was proud to be the first driver in my neighborhood to have a “bag phone.” Now, some of you may recall these behemoth devices—mine easily weighed at least seven pounds. It draped languidly over the center hump of the front seat of my car. I was thrilled over the power to place a call without having to find a ‘pay phone’ (remember those …?). I can remember hearing some futurist predict we’d one day have pocket-sized phones and trying to imagine how that would look.

Fast forward to today. There’s a lot of buzz about electric vehicles and an equal hum of confusion. You may be surprised to hear that electric vehicles aren’t all that new. And, as we look at the groundwork falling into place, the idea of seeing a million EVs on the road by 2015 isn’t inconceivable. Let’s start with a little background. A simple search on the internet paints a story of the initial rise and fall on EVs in America.

History
Were you aware the first non-horse driven “autos” were electric? It’s true! Between 1832 and 1839, Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first crude electric carriage. Then in 1835, a small-scale electric car was designed by Professor Stratingh of Groningen, Holland, and constructed by his assistant Christopher Becker. Around 1842, practical and more successful electric road vehicles were invented by both American Thomas Davenport and Scotsmen Robert Davidson. Both inventors were the first to use non-rechargeable electric cells. In 1865, Frenchman Gaston Plante invented a better storage battery and his fellow countrymen Camille Faure improved the storage battery in 1881. Paving the way with improved storage battery capacity, electric vehicles began to flourish. 1899 and 1900 were the peak years for electric cars in America, as they outsold all other types of cars. Keep in mind, this country did not have the sophisticated road systems we do now, so there wasn’t a demand for long distance travel. Initially people were disinterested in the gas combustion engine. It was smelly, noisy and it vibrated a lot. But, once the price was driven down by mass production and improvements were made to comfort, the pendulum swung toward a preference for vehicles powered by fossil fuel. By 1935, electric vehicles had practically vanished from the roadways. They emerged again in the 1960s, and have hummed along behind the scenes and in the wings until recently.

How do electric vehicles work?

First of all, there are several classifications of EVs: cars, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts, scooters, forklift trucks, small boats, speed boats and small airplanes and motorized gliders. For this article, we’ll concentrate on the current choices for automotive vehicles that run solely on electricity:

PEVs (Plug-In Electric Vehicles), also known as BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles): These are 100% powered by batteries and need to be plugged in to an electric current to recharge. Examples are the Tesla, Ford Focus and Nissan Leaf. In this same category there are LSVs (low-speed vehicles) and NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles). These are a legal class of 4-wheel vehicles that have a maximum capable speed typically around 25 mph – 30 mph. They can range from golf carts to regular looking cars and trucks. Many college and university fleets will use these vehicles on campus because of the short distances and low speeds they travel.

HEV (Hybrid electric vehicles): The current generation of production Hybrids is 100% gas-fueled. The gas engine powers the battery pack. These vehicles run on battery at low speeds and add a few EV tricks like Regenerative Braking and no wasteful idling. An example is Toyota’s Prius.
 
PHEV (Plug-in Electric Hybrids): A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle runs on an electric motor at low speeds and then a gasoline engine is used for higher speeds. These vehicles are plugged in to have their battery pack recharged so they may run on electricity without needing the gas engine to power them up from start at low speeds. The gas engine then propels at higher speeds, or takes over if the battery pack runs low—just like the converted plug in Prius.
 GAEV (Gas Assisted Electric Vehicle): Another form of a Hybrid Vehicle. The vehicle always runs off the battery pack. However, when the batteries run out of charge, the small gas engine powers the battery pack which then drives the power-train like the Chevy Volt. As a side note, electromotive diesel train engines have been working the same way since they were created in the early 20th century.

Who will drive them, when and why?'

So which comes first—the chicken or the egg? Or should I say, which comes first, the Electric Vehicle or the Charging Station (charging infrastructure)? Many EV detractors feel this technology will never take hold; however they forget the history of the internal combustion engine. Back when the gas powered vehicles were just getting started, there were very few gas stations. It was said, “This horseless carriage will never replace the convenience and dependability of a horse.” All signs point to history repeating itself again. No one should think internal combustion engine vehicles will go away, but rather, now there will be options. Options are good to have because they foster competition.

IBM’s (News - Alert) (News - Alert) Institute for Business Value surveyed 1,716 U.S. drivers and 123 auto industry executives about electric vehicles and released a report this January stating that a fifth of American consumers (19 percent) are either “very likely” or “likely” to consider an EV for their next purchase. This is considered a significant finding, since 42% of drivers know only “a little” or have only “heard of them.” As we seek to dispel the confusion around EVs, it is interesting to note that socalled experts—i.e., industry executives—do not have an accurate understanding of what might motivate consumers to switch.

For example, when asked if higher oil prices would motivate them to switch to an electric-only vehicle, 51% of drivers said yes. However, industry executives expected that number to be much higher (76%). Executives also thought consumers would be significantly more motivated by government incentives or regulations (they guessed 73%), whereas consumers actually came in at 41%. The executives also place less emphasis than consumers on green image/ sustainability concerns at 33% compared to 48%. (Motavelli, 2011) What does this mean to employers and facility managers?
 
You have a real opportunity to position your organization to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and to prepare for expected adoption by your stakeholders.

How soon? Consider this: in a 4Q 2010 report, Pike Research (News - Alert) made 10 predictions for 2011. The first one was that the majority of EV drivers in 2011 would be through rental or taxi programs. 


This makes sense as a way for us to get familiar—kick the tires and test drive an

EV on our next business and leisure trips. Travel industry and corporate America,

take heed. Anyone driving an EV rental will need a place to recharge this year! And

their GPS systems will lead them to your place if you offer a charging solution.

While familiarity is growing, education is still needed. We already see demand

building in selected coastal cities and metropolitan areas where consumers have

high environmental sensitivity and higher disposable income. Now that mass

production of EVs has become a reality, automakers, equipment suppliers,

associations, utilities and government entities will contribute to the knowledge

base by creating educational materials, hosting events and holding public

discussions. Of course, consumers and businesses will need to weigh the costs.

In November 2004 oil prices were below $40/Barrel by May, 2008 it was over $120/

Barrel. We can only guess at the tipping point for Americans to say, “Enough!”

over the price of a gallon of gas. Is it $5.00, $6.00? In 2003, the price of gas at the

pump was around $1.50/gallon. Today it is inching over $4/gallon in some parts

of the country. A hundred years ago there were options; steam, electric and gas.

Until the latest hybrid and electric vehicles arrived on the scene, there were no

viable options. We were held hostage to one type of engine and fuel. Time will tell,

but most indicators point to higher prices—sooner rather than later.

The former president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, says Americans could be

paying $5 for a gallon of gasoline by 2012. “I’m predicting actually the worst

outcome over the next two years which takes us to 2012 with higher gasoline

prices,” he said. 


We now have a transportation alternative that may lessen our dependence on

foreign oil. But if we build it, will they buy? Just how much do we depend on

foreign oil? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, quite a lot.

Although we are the third largest crude oil producer, about half of the petroleum

we use is imported. Did you know that in 2009 the United States produced

11% of the world’s petroleum and consumed 22%? 


Will cars run out of charge and become stranded everywhere?

According to the NY Times, CNN, Discovery News and a host of others, when it

comes to making a purchase decision for an EV there’s an emerging consumer

phobia to contend with: range anxiety. Defined as, “the fear of being stranded

in an electric car because of insufficient battery performance,” it is said to be

a major barrier to sales of electric vehicles. However, Pike Research predicts

that “Range anxiety will prove to be more fiction than fact, [since] traveling 30 or

fewer miles per day is the established pattern for most drivers, even those in gas

powered cars.”


While most experts agree that the majority of EV charging will take place at home

or at work, the need for public charging stations remains. One study recommends

that one public charging station per 100 PEVs should be sufficient to overcome

“range anxiety” during the initial ramp up of e-mobility, as most charging should

take place at home. For this reason, cities are partnering with infrastructure

providers and leveraging federal grants to minimize local costs. In a study titled,

“Electric Vehicles in America,” we read about the learning curve and shortening

lead time to readiness. The authors predict that while local governments and

industry must take the lead, in the end, “consumer demand will determine where

electric vehicle adoption accelerates and where it stalls.”


Last year, world-wide sales of charging stations was about $69 million, but the

business is expected to reach $1.13 billion by 2013, (Pike Research Inc. Gartner (News - Alert),

2010). And a recent study by Verify Market projects the North American EV

charging industry will reach $3.09 billion by 2017 (Verify Market, 2010).

What are charging stations and how do they work?

EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), electric recharging point, charging point

are all names for an EV charging station. EVSE’s come in different configurations

and curb appeal, power intensity and electronic gizmos.

Configurations and Curb Appeal: Many manufacturers offer charging stations

that will only serve one vehicle at a time. They can be wall mounted or pedestal

mounted. However, several companies manufacture units that can charge 1, 2, 3

and even 4 vehicles at a time. The advantage of units that charge more than one

vehicle is a lower cost of installation per vehicle. Today, there is one manufacturer

that has a plug-less technology—no cord connection is required. Some charging station

manufacturers have a utilitarian or industrial look, while

some have been designed by product artists giving them an attractive, unique

appearance. One manufacturer, Shorepower, has a multiple vehicle unit that

sports a lit-up globe making it reminiscent of retro-style gas pumps from the 30’s,

40’s and 50’s.

Power Intensity:

Currently there are three categories or levels available.

LEVEL 1: Uses a standard electrical utility cord that is neither hard wired to the

vehicle or base unit. Runs on 120 volts, 16 amps for about 8-10 hours for a full

charge on drained batteries.

LEVEL 2: Uses an electrical cord that is hard wired to the charging unit and uses

a J1772 Connector. The SAE J-1772-2009 connector can supply 16.8 kW, 208-

240 volts, 30-100 amps for about 3-6 hours for a full charge on drained batteries.

This system has safety interlocks to avoid energizing the connector before it is

secure. The car transmits battery parameters to the charging station including the

target voltage and total battery capacity used, then signals when its time to stop

charging. While charging, the station has to vary its output current according to

signaling from the vehicle.

Europe utilizes the VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2 connector with 43.5 kW (400V, 63A, threephase)

for about 3-6 hours for a full charge on drained batteries. A word of caution

for drivers of imported, used or conversion EVs: When you purchase an electric

vehicle, make sure you have the correct plug which is the J-1772 and not the

European version.

LEVEL 3 (Also called quick charge and DC Fast Charge): This technology uses

a special connector different from the J1772 plug used on Level 2 units. Level

3 units deliver 480-600 volts with 125 amps or more for about 15-30 Minutes

for full charge. One quick charge configuration called CHAdeMO an abbreviation

for “CHArge de MOve”, equivalent to “charge for moving”, and is a pun for

O cha demo ikaga desuka in Japanese, which means in English, “How about

some tea” (while charging). The CHAdeMO specification was formed by: Nissan,

Mitsubishi (News - Alert), Fuji Heavy Industries (which manufacturers Subaru vehicles) and the

Tokyo Electric Power Company. Later Toyota joined as its fifth executive member

to the group. These are not yet standardized by the SAE (Society of Automotive

Engineers).

Electronic Gizmos:

As a multi-line distributor, the brands that we carry have charging station

configurations ranging from simple to high tech. The simple stations are very

straightforward; drive up, plug in and walk away. Many of these units include

options to add location networking (LAN & WAN), key chain RFID readers. Other

configurations include magnetic card swiping for credit charging or membership

utilization. For example, hotels, private parking lots and shopping areas may

require a swipe card. Or parking garages may include EV charging in their monthly

fee structure.

Some manufacturers will program a call to the driver’s cell phone when charging

is complete. Additional features may include the ability to print receipts, instore

coupons or product promotions. Some are equipped with the capacity for

remote software upgrades, energy meters, remote diagnostics and smart grid

compatibility.

What should facility and sustainability managers consider as they plan for electric vehicles

in their parking lots?

When employees, customers and visitors park EVs in your lot, they may be running

low on charge. Unlike gasoline pumps, which get their supply from ground storage

tanks, EV charging stations can get their “fuel” from the grid, solar, wind and even

geothermal sources. In addition to selecting the quantity and model of charging

stations to offer, you may very well have a choice about the power source. By

providing for electric vehicle charging your facility will:

1. Send a highly visible message of sustainability and patriotism.

2. Be known to your employees and visitors as forward thinking and progressive.

3. Welcome and assist visitors driving electric rental vehicles.

4. Provide a silent ambassador to your environmentally conscious customers.

In addition, programmed stations can deliver coupons, messages and/or generate

a new revenue stream.

No longer a dream, we are witnesses to the rise of a new wave of automobiles

assimilating onto our nation’s roads. Your organization can lead your industry and

your community in the charge toward a positive impact on our environment, our

economy, and our independence from foreign oil.

As the first, and only, national distributor of multi-platform electric vehicle

charging stations and truck electrification, Plug-In Vehicle Solutions provides the

widest array of simple, cost-effective and green-technology that includes every

configuration, power intensity and electronic application. The diversity of our

vehicle charging product lines allows us to recommend just the right technology

solution for your budget and requirements. Offering electric vehicle charging units

in your community or facility can provide direct revenue from your customers’ usage,

added profits from building customer satisfaction and loyalty, and recognition of your

company or organization through sustainability leadership.

For a no-obligation assessment of the cost/benefit to install electric vehicle charging stations for your facility, click here.

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Edited by Rich Steeves