GE leads the development of Electric Vehicle infrastructure
Over the coming months and years, automakers will be launching new electric vehicles that have the potential to revolutionize personal roadway transportation - the way that we transport ourselves from point A to point B. The "fuel" for this new breed of vehicles, referred to as EV's and PHEV's, will be electricity.

A key factor in the successful introduction and adoption of electric vehicles will be the easy and convenient access to refueling points by the vehicle owner that will require a widely distributed network of electric charging stations.

In addition to the installation of the charging stations themselves, the development of this network will require enhancements to the electrical grid and distribution systems as well. This new "charging infrastructure" will need to be built in the home, at work, at coffee shops, near shopping malls, hotels and around the local town - virtually anywhere where we drive, stop and park our car.

To help build the infrastructure for electric cars, GE is working with Project Get Ready, a non-profit initiative led by Rocky Mountain Institute, to provide technical and application support. Project Get Ready aims to help communities prepare for and welcome plug-in vehicles. In conjunction with partner cities and technical advisors, the initiative and website (www.projectgetready.com) focus on actions that communities must take to be truly ready for the plug-in transition, and serve as a hub for collaboration between city officials, investors, technology providers, and consumers.

The EV charging stations will be used by the everyday driver to connect the vehicle to the electric supply source. Accordingly, they must be designed to provide both reliability and user protection. These requirements extend to the upstream electrical infrastructure that feeds the power to the charging stations, such as transformers, power distribution panels, and circuit breaker protection devices. In addition, system owner operators will need to be able to monitor and control the charging stations on an individual and networked basis.

Our background as a long time provider of electric supply pedestals for RV and Marina applications, coupled with our expertise in the development and application of Smart Grid technologies, and over 100 years experience in the design and manufacture of electrical distribution systems, uniquely position GE to offer an end-to-end total system solution for virtually any application whether it be residential, commercial, municipal, or fleet.

GE's new electric vehicle charging station will be available for first shipment later in 2010, and it will include options for commerce and fast charging applications. Here is a list of some of the features that will be available:

• UL Certified
• Charger & Vehicle Communication in accordance with NEC 625
• Cord Connection in accordance with SAE J1772
• Indoor and Outdoor Enclosure
• Wall and Pedestal Mount
• Commerce & Card Reader capability
• User authentication
• Network communications
• Revenue Grade Metering with AMI Communications
• LED Lights & Display
• Level 2 (208-240 VAC) charging capability

To receive a free information pack on our solution for Electric Vehicle infrastructure, and to keep in touch with developments, contact us.

Read the Press Release

Please e-mail us at geelectrical@ge.com