ECOtality Partners with Silver Spring Networks to Power EVSE Load Control Solutions

ECOtality and Silver Spring Networks have inked a new agreement to integrate Blink electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with the Silver Spring Smart Energy Platform.

The new agreement will enable ECOtality to market and sell the integrated Blink stations globally and also offer their customers smart EV charging options. The companies recently demonstrated product interoperability at Grid-Interop (News - Alert) 2011 last week.

Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, said that by partnering with Silver Spring, they are demonstrating that Blink continues to evolve as the most agile and intelligent charging station solution in the industry.

"We will continue to support strategic connections to the Blink Network, which offers local incentive programs, reservation systems, and remote monitoring of charge status," Read added.

In addition, the joint development agreement will enable Blink station to utilize Silver Spring's Direct-to-Grid communications to connect to a utility's Silver Spring smart grid network. Silver Spring utility clients can also deploy Silver Spring's UtilityIQ Demand Response Manager, a robust demand response management system that includes smart EV charging.

 "We are proud to be providing solutions that help increase global EV adoption, one of the smart grid-enabled offerings customers are most excited about," said Matt Smith, senior director of the demand side management business at Silver Spring.

According to Smith, this integration with ECOtality will enable consumers and utilities to adopt electric vehicles with confidence, by providing the ability to manage energy costs and maintain grid reliability.