ECOtality Installs First Blink DC Fast Charging Station at Portland Fred Meyer

PORTLAND, OR--Alongside Oregon elected officials and electric vehicle (EV) advocates, ECOtality, Inc. , a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, today celebrated the Company's first Blink^® Direct Current (DC) Fast Charge installation at the Hollywood Fred Meyer store in Portland, Oregon. The UL-listed Blink DC Fast Charger provides the fastest EV charging rates currently available and can charge a Nissan LEAF to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes.

“We applaud the company's dedication to sustainability and are pleased that Fred Meyer and ECOtality chose the Hollywood District as a site for the first publicly available Blink DC Fast Charge facility in Pacific Power's service area.”

"The Blink DC Fast Charger provides electric vehicle owners a faster and more convenient method to charge and is critical to extending the driving range of EVs," said Don Karner, President, ECOtality North America. "This installation at the Hollywood Fred Meyer in Oregon marks the start of the Blink DC Fast Charger rollout, as we begin deploying these stations over the upcoming months in EV Project markets. ECOtality is excited to partner with local stakeholders in this first step toward the full electrification of the nation's transportation network with this advanced charging technology."

"With a third of all oil burned in cars, electric vehicles will play a key role in breaking America's addiction to oil and giving us back control over our own economy," said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. "Today's installment of a fast charging station at the Hollywood Fred Meyer is a step in the right direction to get more electric cars on the road. I'm thrilled that Oregon is a leader in electric vehicles and I look forward to helping more Oregonians say 'goodbye' to gas stations."

The Blink DC Fast Charger is rated at 60 kW (200-450 VDC, up to 200A) and provides a quick and safe method of charging EVs. Ideally suited for high-traffic commercial locations and major transportation corridors, the dual-port charger features two CHAdeMo compliant EV charging connectors and provides an intuitive connector dock for storage and protection. The charger features two interactive touch screens and a 42" color display for media and messaging. With real time communication capabilities, the Blink DC Fast Charger features an internal energy meter, which supports energy usage data evaluation.

"We are witnessing a growing demand for electric vehicles, and want to provide a service that meets our customers' needs," said Michael Ellis, president of Fred Meyers Stores. "We're excited to partner with ECOtality and be a part of the development of this critical network."

Working closely with the local utility, Pacific Power, and food retail chain, Fred Meyer, the installation is the first deployed within The EV Project and one of the first fast charge locations open to the public in the nation. The Hollywood Fred Meyer location was chosen using criteria developed through the Micro-Climate process, which takes into account a variety of factors including traffic patterns, regional attractions, and retail hubs, as well as the input from many regional partners.

"Pacific Power shares Fred Meyer's commitment to improve our communities and the lives of everyone living in them," said Pat Egan, vice president of customer and community affairs for Pacific Power. "We applaud the company's dedication to sustainability and are pleased that Fred Meyer and ECOtality chose the Hollywood District as a site for the first publicly available Blink DC Fast Charge facility in Pacific Power's service area."

ECOtality is the project manager for The EV Project, and is tasked with supervising the construction of the largest deployment of EV infrastructure to date. The $230 million public-private initiative is funded with a $114.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The EV Project includes 16 states and major metropolitan areas, and will result in the installation of over 14,000 charging stations, over the course of three years.

About ECOtality, Inc.
ECOtality, Inc. , headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels.

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states.

About Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer Stores, based in Portland, Ore., offers one-stop shopping at its 131 multi-department stores in four western states. Nearly 30,000 Fred Meyer associates help customers fill their food, apparel, and general merchandise needs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Stores range in size from 65,000 to 230,000 square feet and carry more than 200,000 products under one roof. Fred Meyer donates more than 4 million pounds of food each year to food banks in its four-state market and contributes more than $4 million each year to communities across the Northwest through grants from the Fred Meyer Fund as well as product donations, cash donations and sponsorships. Fred Meyer Stores is a division of The Kroger Co. .