4.1 Million Electric Vehicle Charging Stations by 2017

By Joseph Tohill

Although there are currently only about 8,000 public EV charging in the US (not including private stations), a recent study by Frost & Sullivan suggests the number of EV charging stations could skyrocket to 4.1 million by 2017. This is big news for supporters of the EV economy, as it suggests that EVs are increasingly becoming a prominent form of personal transportation.

Frost & Sullivan project that the most common ones will be Level 1 chargers, as Level 1 charging cords are included with the purchase of a new EV. These cords can be plugged in at home, where people can charge their cars for 8 to 10 hours at night.

The study also recognized sizeable growth in the number of Level 2 chargers, which could account for 27% of the market in 2017. Level 2 charging stations can charge an EV in 2 - 4 hours thus making them an ideal choice while one is at work or at the mall. Consequently, a number of retailers and office buildings are currently installing Level 2 charging stations.

Altogether, EV charging stations could expand by a compound annual growth rate of 128.12% until 2017.

What could account for the substantial growth in EV charging stations over the next five years?

Part of the reason for such big growth in the EV market is because of favourable government subsidies and volatile fuel prices. Federal, state, and municipal levels of government provide substantial subsidies for both the purchase of EVs and the installation of EV charging stations. This in turn affects the market, and encourages individuals (and organizations) to invest in the EV market when they might not have previously.

Another reason is because people are beginning to realize the benefits of utilizing EVs as a form of personal transportation. With fuel prices continuing to trend upwards and increased concern over the environment, many consumers are realizing that EVs are the smarter transportation choice. The only lingering concerns that often remain are difficulties in finding a place to charge their car.

Often called “range anxiety” many prospective EV buyers are concerned that their vehicle will run out of juice before arriving at its destination. Although there has been considerable expansion in the number of EV charging stations over the past few years, there are still not enough to quell the anxiety of potential EV drivers.

But as EVs become more popular, the number of EV charging stations will continue to increase – simple economics of supply and demand. And as EV charging stations become more common, so too will the number of EV drivers (since there will be less concern over where to charge their cars).

And this is what I like to call the “cascade effect” in the EV economy. EV charging stations are continuing to be built because there is currently a demand for them. As these charging stations come online and proliferate across the country, more people will be encouraged to purchase an EV – thus reinforcing the need for more charging stations.

In the end, it is apparent that EV charging stations will only increase over time. Whether or not they will number 4.1 million as Frost & Sullivan suggests is yet to be determined. But given the current volatility of oil prices and state of the green economy, I would be willing to bet they are not too far off the mark.

Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.

Sports keen to build on the 'greenest Olympics ever'

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By Martin Leggett

The Olympics may be the ultimate showcase for sporting endeavor (not to mention offering an endless parade of branding opportunities), but increasingly they also give the host city an opportunity to burnish its environmental credentials. And London got off to an early lead in this eco-friendly fray, having bannered London's 2012 Olympics with the 'greenest Olympics ever' tag  before even winning the bid in 2005.

So sustainability has been built into London 2012 from the start, with green measures including comprehensive carbon accounting, the FSC certification of newly-constructed venues, and the inclusion of the Games' food suppliers into sustainability assessments. There have been snags - the renewable energy target of 20% hit hurdles, after the on-site wind turbine failed to materialize. And the shine was knocked off London's sustainable transport initiative, by the decision to suspend the UK capital's hydrogen bus service on 'security grounds'.

Going for gold, for green

But irrespective of whether London has gotten gold in its quest for green, one thing is becoming apparent – the energetic pairing of sporting enterprise and green innovation is proving a winning combination. Sport is a vibrant, clean and healthy expression of the best in human aspirations – qualities that chime readily with the rising chorus of the clean energy economy, over the last decade.

That spark of synergy can be tracked back across the Atlantic, to the US in January 2010, when the Green Sport Alliance (GSA) was inaugurated. This non-profit organization was bought into being under the wings of Microsoft founder, Paul Allen, and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), with aim of infusing sport with green aspirations. It now has over 90 sports venues and teams as members, representing 13 sports leagues, and has helped foster a sea-change in sport's environmental commitment.

Stadium powerhouses of clean energy

Some of the most innovative and interesting schemes, in the burgeoning clean energy economy, are being pushed forward under the GSA's banner – and include some of the biggest names in the US sports. The Washington Redskins cloaked their stadium in 8,000 solar panels, in 2011,  enough to pump out 2 MW of clean electricity. The Seattle Seahawks are going on 'two further', adding wind turbines and biofuels to the mix, bringing an 8.6 MW rating for their off-field stadium powerhouse. That is saving big money on sports facilities energy bills (at least 20% overall), but it is also raising the promo game for both sides of the equation.

There is two-way flow of positive image at play in these sport/green marriages – professional teams get the eco-kudos of being associated with the rising star of clean, healthy energy. And sports teams provide an unparalleled channel for getting the clean energy message across. “Venues provide great publicity for solar and renewables in general,” Chris Meehan (of the state Clean Energy Authority) told the Washington Post. “They reach a far broader audience than most other publicity efforts and they make solar sexier by tying it to something that people enjoy.”

Dodgers, 'Skins, Bears and (EV) chargers

And it's not just renewable energy generation that sports teams are turning to, in order to realize the green potential of their facilities. Stadiums, in turns out, are an ideal location for one the most critical pieces piece of the unfolding green economy – the charging infrastructure to power the growing cohorts of electric vehicles (EVs) hitting America's roads.

The LA Dodgers were early entrants into this field, installing 5 chargers for the public at their Elysian Park stadium, but plenty of others have recently sprinted into the EV charging game. The Washington Redskins have paired their solar panel installation with a 10-station charging facility for sports-fans arriving by EV. In Chicago, the Bears have kicked off their EVSE program with three stations for Soldier Fields. And the Portland Trail Blazers are living firmly up to their name, with the addition of ten advanced level-2 Blink EV-charging stations to the roster.

Plug and play?

Tiny though these numbers may seem, they are likely to be only the beachhead for a swelling influx of EV infrastructure into sporting fixtures – mirroring the rise in EV numbers themselves. While all-battery EV sales have been somewhat pedestrian of late, plug-in hybrids – which let drivers go electric for most of their shorter journeys – have been more popular, with sales rising fourfold to 13,000, in the first half of 2012, according to Edmunds.com (as quoted in the LA Times).

Those new drivers need a place to charge, preferably somewhere that fits into their weekly routine, allowing them to just plug-and-play. Sports facilities are a prime candidate to offer such a service. Charging times at stadiums can be as long as the game is nail-biting, allowing for the fans' EV batteries to be fully topped up . As Howard Sunkin, senior Vice President at the LA Dodgers, told Krysta Levy, of the University of Southern California: “Dodger Stadium visitors appreciate having a charging station at the stadium so they can plug in when they get there. Then once they get ready to leave the charging station they need not worry about powering up again.”

That important, albeit small-scale, convenience for EV drivers could be one day something much bigger. Stadiums, with their acres of car-parking space, and massive facilities, could one day become major hubs in both clean electricity generation – and in clean energy storage. With the possibility for megawatts of solar and wind energy generation, and the charging of thousands of EV batteries, some see great potential for sports venues in providing a valuable store of electricity – one that could have utility companies interested, as they begin their roll out smart grids.

That's for the future. But right here and now, the pairing between clean tech and sports looks set to continue to grow stronger. And a healthier society, and a healthier economy, could the real ultimate medal-winners from the partnership.

Martin is a freelance writer from the UK, who specializes in writing on the strategic impact of environmental issues. After a 10-year sojourn as an analyst at Brady plc –  a Cambridge-based provider of services to commodity investment banking professionals – Martin set himself up as self-employed writer at the beginning of 2010. Since then he has written for a number of environmental websites and companies, and has been one of the principle journalists for green news website, The Earth Times.

Sports Stadiums: Why Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Makes Sense

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Over the past few years, EV charging stations have been popping in all sorts of places – from office buildings to shopping centers, and now airports. And as EVs continue to grow in popularity, we will continue to see EV charging stations introduced into new and exciting environments. The latest new place to locate EV charging stations is clearly going to score some points for EV-driving sports fans: stadiums.

Stadiums such as CenturyLink Field in Seattle and Dodgers Stadium in LA have decided to locate EV charging stations in their parking lots. And although the link between the EV economy and sports may not be immediately apparent to some, “greening” stadiums is a growing trend in the sports world.

What are the benefits of locating EV charging stations at sports stadiums? Will this trend continue?

This article will try to answer some of these questions by providing a close-up look at the installation of EV charging stations at sports stadiums across the country.

Why Locate EV Charging Stations at Stadiums?

Stadiums are one of those places in the urban environment where thousands of people gather to watch a live event in one place. Such a high concentration of people means that parking facilities need to be accessible and well-planned.

But as EVs continue to grow in popularity, a rising share of event-goers will be arriving (or want to arrive) in an EV. Providing the necessary infrastructure for EV drivers make sense on a practical level, because it (a) give them a place to park and (b) allows them to charge their car while at the event. Since they would likely be at the stadium for a few hours, their EV would greatly benefit by receiving a charge for the duration of their stay.

Aside from the practical function EV charging stations provide, there are a number of other benefits as well.

The Greening Trend in the Sports World

Without a doubt, sporting events are a major cultural icon for the American people – nearly 61% of Americans identify themselves as sports fans. With environmental sustainability becoming a growing concern in economic and cultural activities, many sports leagues are beginning to integrate green elements into their daily operations.

EV charging stations can help reduce the carbon footprint of a sporting event by encouraging sustainable transportation options. And unlike other green endeavours which often go unnoticed by event-goers (such as energy efficiency or water conservation) EV charging stations are a visual indication of sustainability and innovation. They are noticed by thousands of event-goers on their way into the stadium and can serve as a valuable informative or educational tool.

So not only does the installation of EV charging station provide a valuable amenity to a small percentage of event-goers, it also gives the stadium a more green and innovative image.

EV Charging Stations at CenturyLink Field in Seattle

Back in 2011, four Level 2 charging stations were installed at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Since their installation, they have been utilized by EV drivers and commented on by curious event goers. Ford has even named CenturyLink Field as one of the “20 Coolest Places to Charge your Electric Vehicle”.

At the time, US congressman Jim McDermott noted that “Charging stations like the one at CenturyLink Field represent our first step toward a greener, cleaner transportation future. In the not too distant future, Federal investments in public- private projects like this will return immense rewards and really revolutionize the cars we drive and what fuels them.”

Clearly the project has been successful thus far. For EV drivers, they now have a place to charge their car while watching a Seahawks game. But for the stadium, it has raised its public image and established it as a green and innovative place to attend a sports event.

The Future

CenturyLink Field provides only one example of the successful installation of EV charging stations at a sports stadium. Since then, many other stadiums have stepped up to the plate and installed EV infrastructure – Dodgers Stadium in LA, Safeco Field in Seattle, and FedEx Field in Maryland, just to name a few more.

This trend will continue to grow as more and more people embrace EVs as a form of transportation. And as green becomes more firmly entrenched in the sports community, the day may soon come where every professional sports stadium will host its very own array of EV charging stations.

 Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.

JOB: Marketing Communications Assistant (Bowie, MD)

Marketing Communications Assistant

About Us

SemaConnect is a leading developer and producer of electric vehicle charging stations for the new generation of mass-market electric vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf. We are focused on commercial and public-grade charging stations that include advanced technology features such as Smart Card access, remote electricity metering, automated billing/payment, web- based software and wireless data communications. Our target segments include commercial real estate, parking management, Fortune 500 corporations, hotels, fleet operators and federal, state and local governments.

Position Title:  Marketing Assistant

Career Level:  Contract (90 days) to Permanent

Location:  Bowie, Maryland

Relocation Assistance:  None

Travel: 20%

Compensation:  $11.00 per hour + no benefits for 90 days.  Your compensation is reviewed and revised after completing the 90 day contract.

Job Summary

SemaConnect is seeking a bright, energetic, self-starter for a Marketing Assistant position. This position works closely with the Marketing Manager in fulfilling national Marketing campaigns for our growing national Sales team. The successful candidate will be able to manage, multitask and excel on a broad range of duties that encompass Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising and sometimes Sales Support. 

 Responsibilities

1. ·       Schedule meetings, catering, travel and more for Marketing and Sales team
2. ·       Maintain Marketing Library by organizing digital files, print materials, collateral, etc.
3. ·        Support the development of a monthly E-Newsletter that includes content creation, photo collection, layout and design, goals for adding more/new subscribers through iContact
4. ·        Monitor news and press hits on a daily basis through the use of CISION, Google Alerts, Google Search and any other means of finding coverage
5. ·        Write and distribute press releases, articles, whitepapers, etc. for national, regional and web-ready use.  Coordinate with PR contractor.
6. ·        Create press and lead lists for all vertical marketing/sales channels nationwide utilizing databases and Salesforce.com
7. ·        Represent SemaConnect at tradeshows, press events, ribbon cuttings, meetings and conferences
8. ·        Assist and coordinate with a virtual team of designers from concept to design of all client facing materials including flyers, presentations, postcards, business cards, etc.
9. ·        Coordinate with Webmaster to ensure that website is up to date on a consistent basis
10. ·        Assist in national Marketing campaign tactics including e-mail marketing, direct mail, seminars, webinars, etc.
11. ·        Update and maintain all social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Wikipedia, YouTube, StumbleUpon and more
12. ·        Any other task or assignment that forms part of the marketing efforts of the company that are directed toward customers, investors, employees and business associates

Required Qualifications

·      Bachelors degree (Marketing, Business, Communications, or Public Relations preferred but not required)

·      1 or more years of related experience

·      Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (preferred, but not a requirement)

·      Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office - especially Word, Excel and Power Point.

·      Excellent oral and written communication skills, well versed and professional

·      Self-starter that is extremely detail-oriented, well organized and able to work professionally in a team environment

·      Flexible team player who can function well in a fast paced and deadline driven environment

·      Self-motivated individual who is confident, energetic, extroverted, personable and creative

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

Email:  careers@semaconnect.com

Subject:  Marketing Assistant position (Bowie, MD)

Update on SemaConnect!

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for your patience as SemaConnect makes the final move to our new 8,000 sq feet facility in Bowie, Maryland!  The move has been long, exciting, nerve wracking, and overall just plain fun!

Our entire team is thoroughly enjoying this new facility and I can't wait to share more photos with everyone of our new space!  Our new headquarters houses our entire production facility and business team.  Our national sales managers across the U.S. have space to work when they come visit, and we love it when guests stop by!

We've also installed 2 dual headed charging stations at our new office for the growing number of employees who are going electric!

So, again, thanks for your patience and I'll be posting within a few days with new photos!
Let me know what you've been up to lately!


-Naly