Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Automation Alley Free to Use for First Year
TROY -- Electric vehicle owners now have a convenient location to charge up in the Troy area -- at no cost. Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, is the new home of a PEP (Plug-in Electric Power) Station, an electric vehicle charging station. Located in the north parking lot at Automation Alley Headquarters in Troy, the new PEP Station is available for public use and is free to use for the first year.
"The PEP Station represents our commitment to clean technology innovation and our support for the early adopters of this technology -- both the creators like DTE Energy, PEP and GM and the consumers who chose to support the vision of green transportation while the infrastructure was still in its infancy," said Automation Alley executive director Ken Rogers. "For these reasons, we're thrilled to be able to provide this service free of charge for the first year."
The station can charge two electric vehicles simultaneously. Each PEP Station has a touch screen user-interface, which guides electric vehicle drivers through a few simple steps to initiate charging, providing the driver an "electric refueling" experience similar to that of self-serve gas pumps. Users can choose to charge their vehicles for a minimum of half an hour or a maximum of 12 hours. After the first year of free access, a built-in card reader will allow users to pay using an access card or credit card.
According to creator and designer PEP Stations, LLC, PEP Stations "represent sustainable sites, innovation and a property owner's commitment to reducing emissions."
"Automation Alley is the leading technology business association driving growth in Michigan, and PEP is delighted that an association so highly recognized for technology leadership, and DTE Energy, chose our premium, patented commercial charging stations," said James Blain, founder and president of PEP Stations.
The station was installed by DTE Energy, in partnership with General Motors, through a United States Department of Energy grant to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the U.S. by deploying vehicles and installing charging infrastructure.
"DTE Energy is interested in easing the transition to PEV ownership, as well as to meet the demand for infrastructure by current PEV owners," said Trevor Lauer, DTE Energy vice president, Marketing & Renewables. "A key factor in the widespread success of electric vehicles will be the ability of utilities and their partners, such as Automation Alley, to supply 'fuel' on demand at a reasonable cost."
PEP Stations are serviced and monitored by Diebold, Inc., a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services.
For more information, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.
For more information on PEP Stations, visit pepstations.com, call (888) 760-0140 or email info@pepstations.com.
