Free Chargers for First 4,400 Volt Buyers
The first 4,400 buyers of the electric Chevrolet Volt will be eligible for free 240-volt charge stations, and home installation in certain cases.
The offer General Motors, announced today is part of the Obama administration's initiative to install about 15,000 240-volt home charge stations across the country.
The money came from a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, which plans to analyze the data collected from the charge stations. Collectors will measure metrics such as energy usage as well as the length of time involved in the charging process. Volt owners who want to take advantage of the offer will have to agree to share their charging information with the data collectors.
So far, federal stimulus funds have helped pay for the installation of more than 15,000 home charge stations. Many Volt owners will likely choose to plug into 120-volt electrical outlets and charge their vehicles overnight. But Tony DiSalle, the Volt product and marketing director at Chevrolet, said that "for Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000."
To encourage consumer purchases of electric vehicles, federal grants and other funds have been awarded to install more than 15,000 home charge stations. That total includes 4,400 home charge stations for Volt owners; 2,600 as part of The EV Project from ECOtality, and 1,800 as part of the ChargePoint America project from Coulomb Technologies.
The Volt is designed to drive up to 350 miles without stopping to recharge or refuel.