NOV 19

NRG Energy, a New Jersey-based utility company is building the nation's first privately-funded network of electric vehicle charging stations in Houston.  EV drivers can subscribe to the service, giving them access to both private, home-based and public charging stations around the city

The network is called evGo and will put everyone in Houston within five miles of a charging station by the end of 2011.

There will be two levels of subscriptions.  For $49 a month customers will be provided with their own private charging station.  For $89 a month, customers will have access to a network of 50 to 150 charging stations located in public parking lots across the city,   The stations will mainly be in retail locations like Best Buy and Walgreens.  The network will include quick-chargers that can fully charge a battery in 25 minutes.

If the the $10-million charging network is successful in Houston, the company plans to expand the idea to other major cities, with New York and Dallas at the top of the list.  NRG plans to focus on states where the electricity industry is deregulated, like Texas.

The other reason Houston is attractive to EV charging network builders is that it's been chosen as a launch city for upcoming electric vehicle releases, specifically the Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt and Ford Focus Electric.

via Wired Autopia

Comments (10)

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Compatibility
written by pjduncan, November 20, 2010

Are all these new cars using the same interface/plug to a charging station? Which ones actually support the version of quick charging offered by these stations?

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Dirty Electricity
written by chuff, November 20, 2010

It's great that this is being built, but it's kind of unfortunate it's being built in a city that gets most of its electricity from coal. Oh well.

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Houston!!!
written by rhylin26, November 20, 2010

I live in Houston, and I cant wait for this.

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one thing at a time
written by johnatron, November 20, 2010

chuff - true, but a different subject. Most cities fall into that category as well. Electrifying the transportation sector is inherently good for plenty of other reasons, national security among them. And, I can't believe I'm saying it, but coal is cleaner than petroleum. We'll green the grid in time...

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clean electricity
written by utility vehicle, November 22, 2010

I believe that this is a great action.
It's great that this is being built, but it's kind of unfortunate it's being built in a city that gets most of its electricity from coal.

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I am doubtful that they will be necessary
written by Michael, November 22, 2010

My guess is that these stations will not get used very much. It is far more convenient for drivers to recharge each night at home. Electric cars that are coming on the market routinely go around 100 miles per charge. That is the equivalent to commuting 26,000 miles per year.
I think once people actually start driving electric cars, the "range anxiety" will melt away. Most people really have no idea how much they drive per day. I am sure that the vast majority will quickly realize that they rarely go over 100 miles except for weekend trips (to places that will probably never get these stations anyway).
Besides we want people to recharge their cars during the night when energy is cheaper and less likely to require new energy production being brought online. I am pretty sure that these stations are going to get virtually no use at 3AM!

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Its a Good Start
written by Bryan, December 02, 2010

At least there is a group out there considering the need of an on the go charge up. 25minutes for charging while shopping at Best Buy, sound good to me.
Most be I know forget to charge their phones at night, its a necessary precaution for the human factor. Five miles maybe abit to close though.

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Houston, we have a problem...
written by fellow, December 03, 2010

I agree with two of the previous posts: the power will most likely be transferred at night and Houston's coal is a poor source. Related, does anyone think Houston is a poor choice, given its the home of Big Oil? Let's open a vegetarian initiative in Omaha, home of Big Cow.

Don't plug-in hybrids allow for a cheaper way to charge and meter? Can't the intelligence be in the car and not an expensive meter?

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Good Start, but needs improvement!
written by EcoGreenGuy, December 03, 2010

This is a good effort to change the way we drive. First of all instead of having little charging stations that look like netflix vending machines. I suggest you replace gas stations with several charging stations, and that are connected with a huge roof of solar panels. Each charging station connected to the solar panels and wind turbines. This will definitely cut the use of oil. If you put a charging station that uses electricity on the same grid as everything else. YOU HAVE NOT CHANGED ANYTHING! You need to think bigger! Besides 25 min is a little time consuming. Charging needs to be quicker! If your trying to sell the idea of electric cars go all out! DONT go half way! Kudos though for the idea at least your getting it out there. Just need to upgrade it!

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Now I just need to get an EV car...
written by Asaf Shalgi, December 05, 2010

Great initiative. Though I have to wonder how many EV car owners live in Houston?

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