It’s not just car manufacturers scrambling to create an electric car that can lead the marketplace – there are a number of firms attempting to establish themselves as the leaders for electric vehicle charging equipment.

According to a new Pike Pulse report from Pike Research, the two companies that are leading the competition are Coulomb Technologies and ECOtality.

It evaluated 10 of the leading electric vehicle supply equipment vendors and rated them on 12 criteria: vision; go-to-market strategy; partners; product strategy and roadmap; technology; geographic reach; market share; sales and marketing; product performance and features; product portfolio; pricing; and staying power.

According to John Gartner, a senior analyst at Pike Research, electric vehicle charging equipment is in its formative stages but Coulomb attained the highest overall score because of its successful technology partnerships, as well as its global sales network and its extensive product portfolio. ECOtality meanwhile, is the runner-up, as it has a contract to provide equipment to the EV Project and has formed extensive partnerships.

So far, much of the market in the US has been dominated by state and federal purchases with Coulomb and ECOtality taking the majority of contracts. Also taking a share of the market are Elektromotive and AeroVironment, which ranked third and fourth in the assessment. Elektromotive has done particularly well in the European market; while AeroVironment has a strong technical background from its experience in developing charging equipment for industrial vehicles.

Electric cars and how they are charged has become the latest additions to a new exhibition of transport in Manchester.

Visitors to city’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) will be able to see the technology that is powering the ‘green’ motoring revolution, which includes an Elektrobay electric vehicle (EV) recharging post, of the kind now being installed at major conurbations across Europe.

The Elektrobay has been donated to the museum by Elektromotive Ltd, a leading manufacturer of recharging posts.  It will be displayed alongside a Reva G-Wiz EV, another early pioneer of the EV revolution in the UK. The electric car technology joins some less environmentally-friendly icons of North West transportation, including the 12th Rolls-Royce ever built and the oldest-surviving Crossley Limousine.

Nick Forder, MOSI transport curator, said: “Commuting has been a feature of Manchester life for the last hundred years and the advent of cars has greatly increased pollution in the city.  Electric vehicles provide a viable alternative and can reduce pollution, but there needs to be a comprehensive network of charging points in and around Manchester.  The Elektrobay will be part of a new exhibition at MOSI which I hope will encourage people to consider electric vehicles as a form of everyday transport.”

As a star of the new exhibition, Electromotive boasts just shy of 600 Elektrobays currently installed in the UK, with the firm expecting to introduce a further 400 charging points throughout the country by the end of this financial year.

Calvey Taylor-Haw, Managing Director at Elektromotive, added:“I’m delighted that Elektromotive has been able to get involved with MOSI, as it’s a great place for people to get inspired and to see the Elektrobay working and understand where sustainable transport solutions are going.  We hope this exhibition will encourage public organisations and private businesses in Manchester to investigate the opportunities for a city-wide charging infrastructure, which is what’s needed if we are to see significant uptake of electric vehicles in Greater Manchester.”

More information about MOSI exhibition can be found at www.mosi.org.uk.

Charging bay firm, Elektromotive has ramped up production of the first batch of electric car charging points in order to meet demand in North East England as the region is gripped by a green motoring revolution.

The firm, Europe’s leading EV infrastructure provider, is expected to supply the first  200 of its Elektrobay recharging posts to the regional development agency One North East during August.

The agency intends to install a total of 1,300 electric car recharging points after being awarded funding from the ‘Plugged-in Places’ initiative. The funding will mean that the region will become home to the world’s largest single network of Elektrobay recharging posts by the end of 2010. 

Currently Elektromotive has more than 135 of its electric car recharging units installed across London, with a further 165 in cities and shopping centres around the rest of the country.

Ian Williams, Director of Business and Industry at One North East, said: “There is a great deal of enthusiasm across the North East for electric vehicles and the work taking place here is already helping to inform major national and international decisions in this industry.

“Important vehicle trials have been taking place here, which have already shown that range anxiety is a major issue for drivers who are considering using an electric car. Therefore the comprehensive network we are developing, allowing people to charge at home, at work, in town and city centres and at our visitor attractions, will be key to showing drivers that the switch to low carbon transport is viable.”

Mercedes-Benz and smart have started the installation of recharging points across their dealer networks in preparation for the, what is hoped will be a widespread uptake of electric vehicles in the UK.

So far 20 Elektrobay recharging units, produced by Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later this year.

smart will be starting public trials of the latest version of the zero emission, smart electric drive later this summer. The Elektrobays have been given designated charging bays at Mercedes-Benz/smart sites and can be used now by motorists involved in the smart fortwo electric drive trial.

So far three units have been installed at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, a further three at the Mercedes-Benz UK in Milton Keynes, four at the flagship Mercedes-Benz dealership in Brentford, seven at three Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Midlands, and three outside the showroom on Edgware Road, London.

All of the installation work has been undertaken by Vinci Energies United Kingdom, which is partnering with Elektromotive to deploy an infrastructure in the UK capable of charging electric vehicles whenever they are stationary at home, in public car parks, at the kerbside and at the workplace.

Dermot Kelly, managing director Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “Electric vehicles will form an increasingly important part of our product development plans, and it is crucial that we put in place a recharging infrastructure to help our dealers and customers join the zero-emission revolution. Elektromotive is the natural partner for this project, and we are delighted with the work that they have done so far in getting the Elektrobay recharging points up and running.”

Calvey Taylor-Haw, managing director of Elektromotive, added: “This is the first time that Elektromotive has worked so closely with a vehicle manufacturer to install Elektrobays at dealerships.  It is an exciting and important development in the creation of a nationwide recharging infrastructure, and is an approach we expect to be copied by other car makers and their retail networks in the UK and beyond.”

Electric car recharging point provider, Elektromotive is to launch a new high-speed recharging point.

The new rapid charge roadside box will dramatically cut refuelling times and is will launch later this year. The ‘thinking’ charging point identifies the type of storage battery in a vehicle and precisely measures its state of discharge before boosting the power to 50 per cent capacity in 10 minutes or 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

The Brighton-based firm will also be offering its new Compact system for home or workplace charging in three outputs as well as introducing the EB Connect web-based portal to manage individual charging points or networks. Both will launch by the end of the year.

EB Connect can give real time data downloads on vehicle use, emissions, charging time and can even be used to update software or diagnose problems with systems.

The new rapid refuelling box, which is different to the current Elektromotive posts currently dotted around London and Brighton, has been approved by Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Toyota who all have electric vehicles planned for the UK.

Electromotive has already installed 400 UK charging points in Britain and 680 around the world in 17 countries.

The latest Compact system of chargers will be available for 240V outlets in 13 and 32 amp single phase and 415V 32 amp three phase applications with all components meeting the latest safety standards.

Mr Taylor-Haw told the delegates at the Sunderland International Automotive Conference yesterday that while his systems met all safety requirements, some competitor products did not although they displayed safety marks which suggested they did.

He also told the gathered crowd that he was also concerned that some home and even workplace electrical networks were not compatible with vehicle charging and might overheat.

Speaking to news agency Headlineauto, which sponsors the conference: "If people want to plug the chargers into their garage wall socket which is a DIY job, they may find it gets very warm or melts, and it is essential their wiring is checked by a professional to ensure it meets the latest safety standards of the industry," he said.

"I am also concerned that we have talked about electric cars and the need for recharging for a number of years and they are starting to appear on the streets but there is still no agreed standard on the type of sockets to use either end. This is something which must be agreed at the highest level in Europe or it will mean a lot of reinvestment and frustrate users and providers."

The Sunderland International Automotive Conference at the Sunderland AFC Stadium of Light opened yesterday and continues today (April 21). It brings together senior manufacturing, production, engineering, logistics and transport executives from across the motor industry to discuss the global issues affecting the trade as well as the challenges involved in addressing environmental issues.

Once just a small company based in Brighton, it seems there is now no stopping Elektromotive as it continues its European expansion.

Last week we told you that the company was heading to Belgium and Luxembourg (see article), and now it will play a pivotal role in the introduction of an electric vehicle recharging infrastructure in Denmark.

It will be responsible for the installation of the first Elektrobay roadside charging stations, which are scheduled to be completed ahead of this month’s COP15 global climate change conference in Copenhagen, which takes place from December 7-15.

The first Elektrobays will be located in Copenhagen and the city of Odense after the company appointed a Danish roll-out partner in the form of CleanCharge Solutions, to carry out the installations. There will be several more bays installed during 2010.

According to Elektromotive managing director Calvey Taylor-Haw, the initiative arrives at a pivotal time.   

“This is a crucial moment for the Danish market and the global shift towards zero-emissions motoring,” he said.  

“Not only is Copenhagen poised to be the hub for climate-change decision making, the country is also taking steps to become a leading market for EV use.  Working with CleanCharge as our Danish roll-out partner means Elektromotive will be at the forefront of the country’s ambitious EV project from the very outset.”

During COP15, government officials from 192 countries are expected to offer further support for the uptake of electric vehicles and the deployment of new charging infrastructure. More than 15,000 delegates will have the chance to trial three Elektrobay units – currently the Elektrobay from Elektromotive is the only fully operational solution for charging electric vehicles.

UK based Elektromotive is making headway in the electric vehicle recharging market after appointing ThePluginCompany to install networks of charging stations across Belgium and Luxembourg.

Pilot schemes will begin almost straightaway, with 20 Elektrobay units to be installed in the country by the end of the year with further rollouts planned in 2010.

The first project starts in Brussels at the headquarters of LeasePlan, the world’s largest vehicle management and leasing provider. Installations at other LeasePlan locations will follow next year, supporting the company’s commitment to increasing the availability of both low and zero emission vehicles within its European fleet.

In addition, Elektromotive and The PluginCompany will work together to educate businesses and legislators in Belgium and Luxembourg about the benefits of zero emission motoring as well as the need for compatible recharging infrastructures. They will then detail the steps that can be taken to quickly implement the Elektrobay networks ahead of the arrival of new electric and plug-in hybrids which are scheduled to be launched over the next three years.

The first Elektrobay was introduced in Westminster, London, in 2006 and by December 2009 there will be more than 120 across the capital with a further 90 charging stations installed in cities and shopping centres around the UK. Elektromotive has also exported its technology to the Netherlands, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Germany and Sweden.

Leading provider of electric vehicle recharging bays, Elektromotive, has been selected as one of the UK companies to trial the new electric version of the smart fortwo.  By testing the car in ‘real-life’ situations, Elektromotive will provide invaluable data to Mercedes-Benz, the manufacturer of smart, which will help shape the development of  the car.

Elektromotive has taken delivery of its own fully electric smart and, over the next 4 years, will report back on the car’s battery performance, reliability and range. The information will be evaluated by smart as it moves towards small series production of the smart electric drive in 2010.

The trial will also form part of Elektromotive’s ongoing research and development programme, helping it devise new EV charging facilities for installation at the roadside, in car parks, at homes and in business premises.

The keys to the smart electric drive were presented to Elektromotive’s Managing Director, Calvey Taylor-Haw, by the smart electric drive Project Manager, Tom Morrison Jones, at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, Surrey.

“The shift towards zero emissions motoring is fast gathering pace, and it is vital that fully compatible recharging infrastructures for EVs are put in place across Europe,” said Mr. Taylor-Haw. “With daily access to a smart electric drive we will accelerate the real-world evaluation of new charging technologies, such as fast-charging solutions for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

“To be working with a major manufacturer like smart also enables us to have an input into how future EVs will operate, especially in terms of battery performance.”

The smart electric drive has been developed by Mercedes-Benz and is powered solely on electricity.  It is virtually silent when running and also emits no harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, into the environment. Charged using a standard three-pin plug, the two seater has a range of up to 70 miles and has a top speed of 60mph.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: “The smart electric drive project is an important part of our commitment towards developing sustainable transport solutions across the Mercedes-Benz business.  smart continues to be a pioneer in the world of environmentally friendly and economical driving and we’re delighted that Elektromotive is our partner in this exciting electric car trial.”

Already located on roadsides throughout London and in other major UK cities as well as in shopping-centre car parks across the country, the Elektrobay charging station is compatible with all fully-electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrids.  Its ease of use has already proven popular among electric vehicle drivers, leading to round-the-clock usage and heightening demand for additional installations on UK streets.

The spectacular 15th century Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London, was the backdrop for the GreenFleet Awards 2009 on the evening of Thursday 1st October.

Nominees, sponsors, guests and hosts gathered in the famous grand hall as Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell hosted the award ceremony which is now in its 11th year.

In total 23 awards were handed out to individuals, companies, and public bodies that had achieved great success in the promotion and delivery of greener technology over the previous 12 months.

Highlight of the evening from the point of view of TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk was in the prestigious category ‘Green Motoring Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Rockingham’, where our very own Paul Lucas was shortlisted alongside WhatCar? Editor Steve Fowler, and Freelance journalist Richard Aucock.

In the end there could be only one winner and happily the accolade went to Paul Lucas for his work as Content Editor on this very website. Collecting the award on his behalf at the ceremony were Marketing & PR Manager Richard Lawton and TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk Editor Faye Sunderland.

Other winners on the night included German carmaker BMW, which took home the award for ‘Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year’ ahead of the shortlisted Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Citroen. Not content with the one award, BMW also walked away with the ‘Industry Innovation Award’, ahead of Elektromotive and Mitsubishi Motors. BMW has had an impressive year in developing and delivering real efficiency savings across its range of premium cars, thanks to its pioneering efficientdynamics program. Elektromotive might have been pipped to the innovation award by BMW however the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ would make up for any disappointing when company founder Calvey Taylor-Haw was announced as the recipient.

More news on other worthy winners later today.

Brighton is set to become the UK’s most electric vehicle (EV)-friendly city outside London, with a little help from Elektromotive, the electric car recharging point maker. Plans to install 20 Elektrobay roadside charging stations over the coming year are part of a concerted effort to encourage zero-emissions motoring in the city. Councillors in Brighton have already given the go ahead to install an initial 10 Elektrobays in Brighton by the end of 2009, with a further 10 planned for installation early next year.

Brighton-based Elektromotive developed and manufacturers the innovative Elektrobay charging station, and will be responsible for the implementation of the project. Since 2006, the company has successfully established a network of more than 100 roadside charging stations in London, many of which are used around-the-clock by EV users.

Elektromotive has already completed installation of four Elektrobays at pilot sites – with two located at Bartholomews in the city centre, and another two in Ditchling Road near The Level. The units will be in full working order in preparation for the official launch at 12:00 noon on Friday 2nd October outside the Town Hall.

The remaining Elektrobays will be installed in two phases. Funded by Civitas, the clean transportation specialists, the first 10 Elektrobays will be sited in central Brighton. A further 10 charging stations will be subsidised by another organisation and will be located in other, yet-to-be-confirmed, parts of Brighton and Hove city.

“We have installed the Elektrobay in locations across the country, as well as in Europe and even Saudi Arabia, but this project is especially exciting for us as it is taking place in our home town,” commented Managing Director of Elektromotive, Calvey Taylor-Haw.

“By encouraging drivers to switch to electric, Brighton will benefit hugely. There will be less air pollution and local residents will appreciate the quiet of EVs. The installation of the Elektrobays will take place over a short period of time, providing EV users with rapid access to charging facilities.”

Compatible with all pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the Elektrobay’s simple-to-operate functionality makes it the ideal solution for public EV charging. The single socket unit has a power supply of 13 amps – the same as a household plug – and is fully safety-compliant for consumers and pedestrians. Consumers access the Elektrobay’s power supply using a personalised wireless key fob that opens the door at the front of the unit. To prevent interference from a third party, the door locks shut when charging is in progress.

To prevent a trip hazard for pedestrians, including the blind and partially sighted, a highly visible yellow coiled cable is provided to all Elektrobay consumers, which extends to 3.5 metres, sitting at waist height when charging is in progress. For the design of the Elektrobay, Elektromotive worked in close consultation with local authorities and opted for a single socket in each unit to allow pedestrians to safely access the pavement when the charging lead is plugged in to an EV. Elektromotive points out that a charging station with cables running to two EVs creates a cordon that obstructs pedestrian access to and from the pavement.