Press Release
Edison Announces Effort to Develop Electric Charging System in West
12/09/96
Plugging in to How Electric Vehicles Work Edison EV Leads Effort to Develop Electric Charging System in West LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, -- Electric vehicles (EVs) need places to recharge their batteries, just as conventional vehicles need gas stations. Edison EV is providing those places to make electric charging more accessible and convenient. Based in Los Angeles, Edison EV is the authorized California and Arizona distributor of Delco Magne Charge(TM) equipment and the authorized provider of charging equipment and service for General Motors EVs. The company also provides charging equipment, circuit installation and warranty and repair services to EV fleets, public charging stations and residences in California and Arizona. "Fueling an EV means that you drive away from home every morning with a `full tank' that has been charged overnight while you slept," said Diane O. Wittenberg, president and CEO of Edison EV. "Our goal is customer convenience, so you can `top off' your car while working, going to the movies, or going to a ball game, thanks to a public charging infrastructure." Edison EV was formed in January 1996, drawing on many years of electric vehicle and automotive industry experience of its management team, as well as the financial resources of its parent company, Edison International. Edison International also owns Southern California Edison, the nation's second largest electric utility. Edison EV has formed a strategic alliance with General Motors Corp. under which Edison EV provides authorized charging equipment installation services for EVs in California and Arizona, starting with the GM's EV1, which goes on sale today in Saturn showrooms. Edison EV also has formed an alliance with Delco Electronics Corp. to distribute Delco's Magne Charge(TM) inductive electric vehicle charging equipment in both states. Although originally designed for GM's EV1 electric sports car and S10 pickup truck, the Magne Charge(TM) system can be used by any auto maker. Edison EV's welcome to electric vehicles begins with installation of an EV charging station in the garage of every new EV owner. "Aside from the time you save by charging at home, you never have to spend time at the gas station or worry about your clothes and hands smelling like gas," Wittenberg said. "Recharging at home is clean, safe and easy. It takes just a few seconds to insert the charging paddle, and charging is fully automatic." To extend the range of electric vehicles and enhance public convenience, Edison EV is working with local governmental agencies to create a network of public charging stations. Fourteen charging stations have already been installed in the Inland Empire as part of an Inland Empire Clean Fuel Corridor, developed in conjunction with local transportation commissions. Edison EV expects to install another 150 charging stations in 1997. "Public charging stations will enhance widespread public awareness and acceptance of electric vehicles and promote industry growth," Wittenberg said. "They'll give the early EV owners emotional reassurance that their vehicle choice is wise, while providing consumer convenience and increased vehicle operation range and flexibility. "The more public charging stations people see, the more comfortable they will become with the idea of owning an EV," she said. Market research confirms that the public views availability of conveniently located charging stations as an important factor in making an EV buying decision. Ideal locations for public charging stations include large employers, upscale shopping centers and malls, entertainment and sports complexes, government buildings, public parking areas, and parking adjacent to mass transit facilities, airports and train stations. "Far-sighted leaders in both the public and private sectors are moving quickly to welcome electric vehicles at their facilities by installing public charging facilities," Wittenberg said. Edison EV's charging station clients in California include trend-setting restaurants, upscale shopping centers, prestigious resort hotels, museums and other public attractions, and commuter train stations. To support installation of electric vehicle charging stations both in public facilities and private homes, Edison EV has created a Certified Contractor Network of carefully screened electrical contractors in California and Arizona. These contractors have special installation training and information, offer fair prices, and respond rapidly to installation requests. "From the moment an individual commits to acquiring an EV1 from Saturn, we will be able to arrange for cost-effective installation of the charger and related circuits in less than a week in most cases," Wittenberg said. "You won't have to wait long to begin having fun driving the absolute cleanest -- and one of the fastest -- cars on the road." Edison EV's charger installation services for individual electric owners includes supply of vehicle charger and coordination of all elements of installation. "Our one-stop shopping approach eliminates the need for a new EV owner to get bids from electrical contractors, contact the city electrical inspector, find a charger supplier, worry about warranty and repairs on the charger, and wonder whether the owner is getting a good price and quality installation," said Wittenberg. "The Edison EV approach means no hassles, no surprises, no delays, and no problems for new owners of electric vehicles." Edison EV's service is backed by a three-year circuit warranty, a three- year manufacturer's warranty on the charger, and a national Customer Service Center with a 24-hour emergency hotline. The Edison EV web site on the Internet (edisonev.com) will keep customers updated on the latest technological developments and public charging installations. "I am very proud of our contributions and the pioneering leadership our company has started to establish a comprehensive electrical charging system," said Wittenberg. "By blazing the trail where no company has gone before, we are helping assure that electric vehicles succeed in the marketplace. The next century belongs to clean, energy efficient electric vehicles." To contact Edison EV's Customer Service Center for additional information or an installation estimate, call (888) 890-GOEV.