Chargepoint Connects Up with EV Drivers Over Choreo

For electric vehicle drivers, the next charging station may be out of sight, but it’s always top-of-mind.

Now, help is on the way. On August 4, Campbell, California-based Coulomb Technologies and Seattle-based Airbiquity sealed a deal that will  integrate the ChargePoint Network’s location and reservation platform into the Choreo connected-vehicle services portfolio.

Under the terms of the new agreement, EV drivers will be able to use Choreo’s in-vehicle systems and smart phone apps to find, and make arrangements to use, convenient stations on the ChargePoint Network.

To date, Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network of independently owned stations has been used by EV drivers for more than 215,000 charging sessions. The network is dispensing more than 140 Megawatt hours (MWh) of energy each month, and doubling the electric transportation fuel dispensed each quarter.

Airbiquity is at the forefront of change in the automotive industry, integrating advances in software, communications technology, and wireless services with electric vehicles. Its marquee product, Choreo, delivers a wide range of in-car services – including entertainment, information, mapping, profiles, and alerts –  customized to each automaker’s requirements.

Airbiquity already has announced relationships with several  EV manufacturers – including BMW, Ford, and Nissan; as well as OnStar Corporation, a subsidiary of General Motors (News - Alert).

“The Airbiquity-Coulomb partnership extends the reach and benefits of ChargePoint Network to the inside of the vehicle,” said Bret Sewell, executive vice president of Coulomb. “Leading drivers to available stations is critical not only to drivers but also to the independent charging services providers around the world whose stations are searchable and findable on ChargePoint Network. We are proud to partner with Airbiquity to help further accelerate the EV market.”

“Partnering with Coulomb is a natural extension of our Green Vehicle offerings,” said David Jumpa, senior vice president of Global Business Development at Airbiquity. “This relationship allows Airbiquity to enhance the driver’s experience with their new EV, making it easier for EV owners to rely upon a support infrastructure for their new vehicle. As plug-in EVs begin to enter the market, the demand for third- party charging services will soar. Airbiquity is making sure it continues to provide the best connected vehicle services for its automaker customers.”

This is the second such pact in several weeks for Coloumb, which on July 20 revealed plans to partner with Amsterdam-based TomTom  to encourage EV adoption by reducing range anxiety; and bringing charging station location, navigation, and reservation services right to a driver’s dashboard.

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