The Pep Station is aimed at building a charging infrastructure as the electric vehicle market begins to grow. Pep Station allows drivers of electric vehicles to access electricity via an access card or credit card.
When a vehicle connects to the Pep Station’s 220 volt power supply, the Pep Station recognizes a connection and the LCD screen prompts the user to accept the price per hour of connectivity, if payment by credit card is desired, or swipe an access card.
The station then asks the user to select the amount of charging time required and will begin charging or ask for a credit card to be swiped for authorization. When the vehicle’s battery has been fully charged, or the time selected elapses, the station automatically discontinues the electricity.
If the user does not desire to fully charge the vehicle, or wishes to discontinue the charge prior to the selected time expiring, they simply disconnect the power cord. The company said that the entire process is done in an eco-conscious manner.
The Pep Station has been developed to compliment the release of electric vehicles in the second half of 2010.
Karina Morley, global director of controls and electronics of Ricardo, said: “With CO2 emissions reduction targets being adopted around the world with the aim of mitigating the effects of man-made climate change, we believe that the increasing electrification of new vehicles – be it through hybridization, electric vehicles or range-extended plug-in hybrids – is a trend that will continue to grow.
“The creation of a commercially viable and effective recharging infrastructure will be a key enabler to the achievement of such climate change goals, allowing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle users to maximize their zero-emission mileage.”
