Friday, February 25, 2011

EVSE Start-Ups VS. Large Corporations

 


Timothy Hurst, over at Earth and Industry recently wrote an interesting article about EVSE start-ups and how they are going to weather the storm when corporations like Siemens, Toyota and GE enter the EVSE market. 


As a start-up ourselves we've pondered this question before....


What's a start-up to do once a larger company finally enters the market with a larger marketing budget, top-of-mind recognition, massive distribution channels and sales force?


 




We say-- stay true to what your company stands for, and that is exactly what we're doing at SemaConnect.  If the technology and services that you're offering is really that great, then it will survive.  Sure, a larger company might be selling more stations to municipalities and vehemently taking over the consumer market at a lower price point (just because they can!), but this does not make start-ups any less capable of offering the same, if not better, products and services.


Here at SemaConnect, we know our product line by second nature because we built it ourselves.  Yes, we sat there and drafted for months the idea for a charging station that took little space, yet was still smart, rugged and was able to communicate wirelessly.  We work excruciatingly long hours building an entirely new software for EV drivers and station owners that makes it easy to pay online, track your green house emissions and set time-of-use pricing.  We know that our technology is much more advanced than what a single family home would require, which is why we focus on commercial applications.  And this isn't even to brag, it's simply because we are passionate.  Which is why, we believe, we're still a fighting force in the EVSE market.






People ask, "Why even waste your time trying to compete?" and we say, "Because we have to!"  Because we can't imagine doing anything else.  Because the environment needs it.  Because we feel that we have something great to offer.  That's why we compete, and that's why we'll continue to compete until we feel that our station is no longer competent (though I doubt it).


I'm almost positive that other start-up EVSE companies feel the same way, or a rendition of this feeling, and we're completely supportive.  Electric charging stations as an emerging clean technology means that we're all contributing to something much more than simply making money, or seeing who can install more stations.  If we're all installing stations to promote the use of electric vehicles around the world (in turn reducing our dependence on oil and lessening our impact in the atmosphere) then it was a great day.


So do we find it a challenge competing with large companies?  Yes.  We welcome it.
Is it going to break our spirit and make our technology feel less competent?  Not at all.


It will be interesting to see this market unfold, but until then we're confident about our charging station and our software and having a great time!


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Naly Yang [first name pronounced as, NAH-Lee]  leads the Marketing Communications initiatives at SemaConnect, and manages the company brand.  She actively follows and reports on trends in the EVSE and EV industry.  When not brainstorming a new creative idea, reading, writing, or graphic design, she is an avid traveler, cook, and all around life lover.  Contact her at naly.yang@semaconnect.com or follow her on Twitter @Sema_Connect. 

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Friday, February 18, 2011

KISS Electric Vehicle Charging Stations


No, not like that.  Although we don’t mind a little schmoozing with our station.  wink, wink

We just can’t shake the funny feeling that many consumers are still confused about Electric Charging Stations.  But can we really blame them?

Ok, so on the news you heard that mass electric vehicles are coming out. Check.
Now you hear that an electric charging station is installed somewhere in your city.  Check.
And then the news anchor proceeds to read the prompter about a J1772, 240 volt this, 32 amps that, you plug it in and then --- BAM!

You’re car is charged.

Can it really be that simple?  Yeah, err, sort of.

We say, KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!  Hug

Let’s face it, there hasn’t been sufficient marketing and initiative in teaching the general public about electric charging stations.  Some say it’s a conspiracy from automakers not really wanting electric vehicles to take the star light out from gas powered vehicles.  Some say electric vehicles aren’t really sustainable and still effect global warming.  Some say it’s the lobbyists that don’t allow proper mass education of EV’s.

The fact is that it could be a combination of many miscellaneous things uncontrollable by many.  Seems depressing huh?  Yeah, tell us about it!

However, YOU can make a difference.  All you have to do is ask.

No question is too small that ChargePro won’t answer! 
Go ahead, try us. 
Ask your question(s) and we’ll do our best to answer them!

You know you want to…..


-ChargePro

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Monday, February 14, 2011

EV's in Maryland & O'Malley's plan

[Image from here.]


The O’Malley-Brown Administration is proposing three initiatives to promote electric vehicles in Maryland:

Description #1:                        Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council:  The Administration is proposing legislation to create an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council to help prepare the State for the rapid integration of electric vehicles into Maryland communities.  The Council will include representatives of State and local governments, utilities, automobile manufacturers, and environmental and energy experts.  The Council will develop strategies relating to the development of metering and charging infrastructure, home charging requirements, streamlining permits, updating building codes and parking rules, electricity demands and grid stability, incentives to increase consumer adoption of electric vehicles, and public education.  Other states, including California and Connecticut, have created similar Councils.

Description #2:                        Demand Response Pilot Program for Charging Electric Vehicles.  Most electric vehicles will be charged using Level 2 charging systems, which require 240 volts and can fully recharge of a vehicle in approximately 4 hours.  The long-term challenge for utility companies is to get consumers and businesses to recharge their vehicles during off-peak hours when the electric grid has excess capacity and energy is cheaper (typically from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)  Governor O’Malley is proposing legislation to require the Public Service Commission to implement a pilot program that permits utilities to offer homeowners and businesses incentives to recharge vehicle during off-peak hours as prescribed by their electric companies.  Incentives may include time-of-day pricing of electricity, credits on electric distribution charges, or rebates on the purchase of EV charging systems.

Description #3:                        Tax Credits for Charging Stations for Business Electric Vehicle Fleets:  Given the range limitations of first generation electric vehicles, one of the most likely markets for electric vehicles in the early years of adoption will be businesses with vehicle fleets that travel less than 100 miles per day and can be recharged at night.  The Administration is proposing a State income tax credit of 20% of the cost of a electric vehicle recharging equipment that, along with the federal tax credit, will incentivize individuals and companies to invest in electric vehicle technology.  Other states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, and Oregon, offer tax credits for charging infrastructure.  The tax credit will be limited to 3 years, with a total cap of $400,000 in tax year 2011, $500,000 in tax year 2012, and $600,000 in tax year 2013.  The program will be paid for out of proceeds from our greenhouse gas emissions auction proceeds.


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Yeah, we like it.
Ok, it's Valentine's Day - we love it!


-ChargePro

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

DC Auto Show Recap


For those who missed it, here is a short video from the DC Auto Show!  Wait till the end for a surprise!  :)
Enjoy!

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