SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECOtality, Inc. (Nasdaq:ECTY), a leader in clean electric transportation, today introduced Blink HQ, a new family of electric vehicle (EV) charging products for the home. In tandem with the Blink Network, these new chargers will offer drivers unparalleled freedom and confidence to charge at home and on-the-go. Blink HQ includes a free membership to the Blink Network and a $100 charging credit with purchase, making it one of the best values available for EV drivers.
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The Blink HQ suite of products is adding two new programmable Level 2 home chargers to consumers' charging options; the first to launch is a 30-Amp home charger with delayed start options to optimize charging rates. This will be followed by the introduction of a new Level 2 charger with connected capabilities and remote access.
The new Blink HQ family of products offers consumers:
- Complete range confidence for their EV by connecting the home charger with Blink Network's 4,000+ publicly available charging stations
- $100 charging credit on the Blink Network
- Ability to deliver a quick, full charge at a rate up to four times faster than a Level 1 home charger
"Our premiere line of Blink HQ home charging products offer EV drivers exactly what they've been asking for: connection to the Blink Network, freedom to charge at home at their convenience and unprecedented value," said Ravi Brar, CEO of ECOtality. "As EV sales continue their rapid growth, ECOtality is meeting the need for smart, programmable and affordable quick chargers in the home.
"We see a clear connection between charging at home, at work, while shopping or on the road during a trip," continued Mr. Brar. "Having Blink HQ home charging products in EV drivers' homes, bundled with a membership, will help support our growth and generate an annuity base as the number of EV drivers grows."
Blink HQ continues the legacy of home charging solutions provided by the company. To date, Blink has installed over 8,300 residential chargers in 38 states.
The first new Blink HQ model will launch in early summer 2013 and reservations are now being accepted. For customers looking for the most feature-rich in-home charging solution, Blink still offers its classic wall mount unit as part of the HQ family.
The Blink HQ family of products includes a one-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a $100 membership credit to be used at any of Blink Network's over 4,000 publicly available charging stations. Qualified drivers are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 on the purchase and installation of a residential charging station through the end of 2013 (learn more at https://www.blinknetwork.com/ev-infrastructure-tax-credits).
For more information on product availability and to sign up, visit http://www.blinknetwork.com/hq. Consumers can call 1-888-998-2546 to reserve a charger today. Blink HQ will also be available through leading online retailers this summer.
| Technical Specifications include: | |
| Power Input | 208-240 VAC, single phase, 30 A maximum, 60 Hz |
| Standby Power | <5 W |
| Delay Timer | 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour delay, user selected |
| Operating Temperature | -22F to 122F |
| Charging Cable Length | 18 feet |
| Enclosure | NEMA Type 3R |
| Size | 13.8 W x 15.7 H x 5.0 D inches |
| Weight | 15.4 pounds |
| Safety Listing | UL |
For additional specifications, please visit http://www.blinknetwork.com/hq
About ECOtality, Inc.
ECOtality, Inc. is a leader in clean, electric transportation technologies. The Company operates three complementary lines of business: Blink, Minit-Charger and eTec Labs. ECOtality offers electric vehicle charging stations under the Blink brand and provides a turnkey network operating system for EV drivers, commercial businesses and utilities. Minit-Charger manufactures and distributes fast-charging systems for material handling and airport ground support vehicles. eTec Labs is a trusted research and testing resource for governments, automotive OEMs and utilities. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.
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Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.
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