FAQ for Drivers
Who is Coulomb Technologies, Inc.?
Coulomb Technologies is the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with networked charging stations installed in municipalities and organizations worldwide. We provide a vehicle-charging infrastructure, with an open system driver network: the ChargePoint Network provides multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Drivers, and Utilities, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120 Volt to 240 Volt AC charging. We are based in Campbell, CA and have distribution partners located across the United States and globally.
What are Level 1 and Level 2 charging?
The level of the charging refers to the voltage used by the charging station. In the US, standard outlets are at 110 – 120 volts. All Level1 charging is done at this voltage. Depending on the car and the level of charge on the battery, Level 1 charging can take as much as 8 – 16 hours to fully charge. Most people consider that a charge time of 4 – 6 hours would be optimal for overnight or long-length charging. This is possible with Level 2 (220 – 240 volts) charging. The ChargePoint America Program is offering only Level 2 charging stations.
Why networked charging stations?
Networked charging stations provide many attractive capabilities to drivers of electric vehicles as well as owners of charging stations. The networking allows a driver to identify where charging stations are located and even what charging stations are currently being used. Any charging station attached to a network can transmit information about the charging session including: start time, time of completion, ground fault interruption, or even a disruption in service from vandalism or utility demand response. Networked charging station have the ability to email or send SMS messages to a driver alerting you about your charging session status.
Do the ChargePoint charging stations work with any electric vehicle?
The ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations will work with any electric vehicle on the market. There is an industry standard for Level II charging: the SAE J1772™ connector that all vehicles on the market will use. Even for older electric vehicles, charging at ChargePoint stations is still possible. So if you’re planning to own one of the ChargePoint America program vehicles (the Chevrolet Volt, the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Focus Electric BMW ActiveE, or the smart fortwo electric drive), you will be able to charge at any ChargePoint stations and utilize all the functions of the network.
What criteria will determine who receives a free home charging stations?
Any purchaser of a program electric vehicle (the Chevrolet Volt, the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Focus Electric BMW ActiveE, or the smart fortwo electric drive), whose home is located within one of the ten target regions, will be eligible to receive a home charging station at no cost. Homes must be within one of these metro/city areas: Austin/San Antonio, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando/Tampa, Sacramento, San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Bellevue/Redmond, Washington DC, Boston, Southern Michigan (including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit). Please ask your dealer for more information about the ChargePoint America program when you purchase a new electric vehicle.
How were the ten program regions selected?
There were a number of factors that went into the decision of which regions would take part in this program. First, each region had to be on at least one of the participating automakers list of target regions where their vehicles will be for sale during the program period. Second, the regions themselves had to write a letter to support the grant proposal. Third, major metropolitan areas that were geographically dispersed were considered.
Who pays for installation of the charging stations?
Charging station installation, in most regions, will be paid by the individual, unless there are local incentives available in your region.
Are there special facilities requirements for installing a charging station?
Yes. These are Level 2 charging stations that require 220 volts, and special wiring is needed. The wiring is similar to the wiring needed to install a new electric clothes dryer. The wiring needs to be done directly at the garage or carport.
Do I own the charging station at the end of the program?
Yes.
What kind of charging station data is required from individuals as part of the program?
While charging station data requirements are not completely defined, most, if not all data will be obtained directly from the ChargePoint Network. The DOE is interested in station utilization: amount of energy used, when the stations are being used, etc. An individual will need to authorize Coulomb to collect anonymous data from your charging station for use in analyzing the program.
What happens if I do not have a garage or carport?
You will likely not be eligible to receive a no-cost home charging station. Rest assured, we are providing an electric vehicle-charging infrastructure to your metropolitan area. We are talking to many private and public garage operators who will potentially be getting charging stations as part of this program. You should contact the owners of the places you park your car overnight and/or during the day to see if they could apply for one of the program public charging stations. May people without their own garages will want to charge during the day at their work location. Others may request from their city a charging station location for where they park at night.
How do I reserve a home charging station?
You don’t need for a reservation. Just make sure you apply for the ChargePoint America program. Click here to check your eligibility.
What is the catch?
There is no catch. The Federal government through the DOE wants to create an electric vehicle-charging infrastructure so that people will feel comfortable with acquiring electric cars. Electric cars are good for the environment, as they emit no harmful greenhouse or noxious gases. They reduce the country’s reliance on foreign oil, and they cost less to operate than gas powered vehicles. The new electric cars coming at the end of this year are robust, family size vehicles that should be very popular. You can help lead the way to a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.
