ECOtality, Inc. and Sears Holdings Corporation recently expanded their relationship and also unveiled the first Blink(R) Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger stations at several Sears stores in Tennessee and Arizona. These stations enable Sears customers to charge an electric vehicle battery up to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes, the fast charge rate currently available. As part of the EV Project, ECOtality worked closely with Sears during the site selection process, evaluating key factors such as store traffic, EV density and availability of the unique DC stations.

Currently, five fast charging sites have been installed and there is continued effort to expand opportunities further. In addition to the fast chargers, Sears Holdings has implemented level 2 charging stations at 12 additional Sears stores. With these in place, the company exceeded 2,000 hours of connection time by customers and associates.

Blink DC Fast charging stations are powerful and unique machines. Not only do they charge an EV at an adaptable 60 kW rate, but they offer dual ports, which allows for sequential charge time as well as adaptability should DC fast charging cable ports need to be updated. Additionally, the UL certified charger features two interactive touch screens and a 42" color display to allow for media and messaging.

With real time communication capabilities, the Blink DC Fast Charger supports energy usage data evaluation with an internal energy meter.