Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Coulomb Technologies Partner On Charging Infrastructure for Plug-Ins
03 October 2008
Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a leading provider of fueling equipment for retail and fleet operators, and Coulomb Technologies are partnering on the development and commercialization of products that will enable the charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles.
Coulomb Technologies has developed a complete smart charging solution for plug-in vehicles. (Earlier post.) The company’s Smartlet Charging Stations are individually controlled through the wireless Smartlet Communications Network and the ChargePoint Network Operating System. Smartlet Charging Stations perform bi-directional energy metering and control, user authentication, and 802.15.4 wireless local area network technology, which enable a subscription model through communication with a data center.
Supporting the development of a recharging infrastructure for the transportation industry is important to us and our customers. This partnership expands our industry-leading portfolio of equipment for alternative fuels.
—Richard Browne, Gilbarco’s vice president of marketing for North America
Gilbarco will exhibit Coulomb Technologies’ Smartlet Charging Station at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, 4-7 October 2008 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
We already have plastic cards that can be used at smartlet charging stations which perform user authentication through communication with a data center.
They're already called charge cards.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 03 October 2008 at 01:54 AM
We already have plastic cards that can be used at smartlet charging stations which perform user authentication through communication with a data center.
They're already called charge cards.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 03 October 2008 at 01:56 AM
The problem with existing charge cards is that the monopoly running them will demand tarriffs that are outsize compared to the cost of the electric power consumed. These frequent but small purchases could be termed 'microtransactions'. However.....
As soon as you have demonstrated your own system up and running it leaves you in a good position to start negotiating a better deal with the 'big boys'.
T2
Posted by: T2 | 03 October 2008 at 10:29 AM
The prepaid smart cards used for French payphones are quite adequate. Or the magnetic cards used for BART. Cell phones are another means of payment. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 03 October 2008 at 10:15 PM