Green revolution in the Netherlands

Elektromotive has installed its first Elektrobay electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Netherlands, supporting the country’s latest efforts to improve urban air quality and facilitate a move towards zero-emissions motoring.

A total of five Elektrobays are being installed at prominent locations this month, including Schipol International Airport and in central Rotterdam. One of the charging stations is situated outside Amsterdam’s Central Station railway hub, where it will charge the city’s new fleet of fully-electric, emissions-free Tuc Tuc taxi vehicles (presented earlier on our blog).

The Elektrobay was selected over competing products thanks to its future-proof technical platform – providing, for example, the option of remote billing and fast charging – and its stylish, compact design, as well as Elektromotive’s ability to deliver the pilot project on time.

A further four municipalities across the Netherlands are now at an advance stage in evaluating installation of their own Elektrobays. British-based Elektromotive is working on the Netherlands projects with MisterGreen, a leading supplier of electric-powered personal transport and infrastructure solutions located in Amsterdam. MisterGreen is spear-heading the Elektrobay sales and installation programme in the Netherlands. Conventionally situated by roadside and in car parks, the Elektrobay is the world’s most advanced EV charging station. It is compatible with all pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars, and can be specifically adapted to suit the requirements of the installation site and the user.The unit’s socket is located under a secure, weather-proof door, accessed using a personalised electronic wireless key fob. The door locks shut when charging is in progress and can only be reopened using the same fob, preventing interference by a third party.

There are over 160 Elektrobay units installed around the UK, and this number will increase significantly over the coming year thanks to government-funded projects trialling the use of 340 electric vehicles. Commenting on the company’s export growth, Elektromotive Managing Director Calvey Taylor-Haw, said: “The installations in the Netherlands will strengthen our position in Europe and increase awareness of the growing need for proven electric vehicle charging infrastructures in European cities. With the support of our suppliers we will continue to introduce new Elektrobay charging networks throughout Europe, as well as growing those already in place in Sweden, Holland, Germany and Ireland.”

Source : The Auto Channel, July 20th, 2009