Electric Vehicle

Plug In Carolina and Eaton Tour South Carolina To Kick Off Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Plug In Carolina and Eaton Corporation kicked off a statewide tour to mark the deployment of South Carolina’s multi-city Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network. The tour began at the state Capitol in Columbia, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by Governor Mark Sanford. The implementation of the charging network is underway to support the variety of new Electric vehicles emerging now and in the near future and was made possible by the recently announced agreement with Eaton to supply and support electric car charging stations in eight South Carolina cities.

The state Capitol event featured displays of Eaton’s Pow-R-Station™ DC Quick Charger and Level 2 charging stations. Electric cars with lithium ion batteries included the Mitsubishi iMiEV, the Chevrolet Volt and the Tesla Roadster.

The project, which launched June 15, 2010, is funded by two state grants secured through the South Carolina Energy Office and features a family of charging stations with multi-port configuration that are user friendly and lend themselves to a cost-effective electrical installation.

Utility Partners of America will install 30 Eaton charging stations in Columbia, Rock Hill, Union, Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Town of Blythewood at key re-fueling hubs in each city. By the end of January 2011, Plug In Carolina expects to increase the number of charging stations to 80 and add locations including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.

“Something special is taking place. Our state is one of the first to invest and create an EV charger infrastructure across multiple cities,” said James Poch, executive director, Plug In Carolina. “We are showing the nation that our citizens and businesses welcome these vehicles. Within the last year, South Carolina has had two EV manufacturers, Proterra and CT&T, locate their manufacturing operations in the state and we’re ready for more.”

The program will provide publicly accessible EV charging stations at locations such as municipal parking garages, public streets and retailers. Depending on host city requirements, the stations will be enabled for smart communications to facilitate the monitoring and management of the state-wide network of chargers.

“Through this collaboration, Eaton is helping to create the infrastructure leading to the adoption and expanded use of electric vehicles,” said Tim Old, business unit manager, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, Eaton. “We’re eager to provide Eaton’s comprehensive solutions to Plug In Carolina’s public electric vehicle program and these events are the perfect way to demonstrate our support of the communities in South Carolina where we do business.”

Eaton is focused on creating innovative and affordable technologies that help customers reduce their impact on the environment. For more than 20 years, Eaton has developed electrical and hybrid power systems for trucks and buses and is now developing innovative solutions for hybrid power systems in commercial vehicles.

Eaton is the only company to offer hybrid-electric and two hybrid-hydraulic system technologies, as well as the charging and networked charging management infrastructure for commercial and residential applications. Eaton offers a complete line of electric vehicle chargers for residential and industrial application and has a presence in communities across North America.

Founded in 2006, Plug In Carolina is a non-profit organization sponsored by the state’s major utilities: South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., Duke Energy, Santee Cooper and Lockhart Power. Its stated mission is to educate and promote the environmental, economic and national security benefits of plug-in vehicles.

www.eaton.com/plugin