SPX and GM Team Up for Success
For more than 75 years, SPX has worked with GM to develop service tools and other solutions to help keep the automobile manufacturer’s customers satisfied and on the road. With the introduction of GM’s Chevrolet Volt, SPX teams up with the automotive leader once again to help make its innovative vehicle more appealing to prospective buyers ― and more convenient for owners.
Game Changer
The Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with extended range capability, earned recognition as both Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine’s “Car of the Year” just days before its official launch in November 2010.[1] The Volt also recently earned the Green Car Journal’s “Green Car of the Year” award.
The game-changing vehicle is capable of traveling between 25-50 miles (approximately 40-80 km) solely on battery power before an on-board gas generator starts. This EV range meets the daily commuting needs of a majority of Americans,[2] powered entirely by the electrical energy stored in its on-board battery pack.[3],[4] Then, when its batteries are depleted, the Volt switches on a gasoline engine that acts as a generator, providing more electric power for the motor.
Faster Charging
The Volt’s 16 kW•h (10.4 kW•h usable) lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged by plugging the car into a standard U.S. 120V residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772-compliant portable charge cord.[5],[6] It takes approximately 10 hours for a full charge.
To accelerate charging and make the process more convenient and attractive to Volt owners, Chevrolet teamed up with SPX to offer consumers a faster 240V home charging system.
Available through SPX, the Voltec™ 240V home charging station can recharge the Volt’s battery in about 4 hours ― less than half the time required by standard outlet. Priced at $490 (around $1,500 installed), it is also designed to be affordable.[7]
One-stop Shopping
The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that a 240V charger have its own dedicated outlet.[8],[9] To accommodate the Voltec charge station, many homes will require an electrical upgrade performed by a licensed electrician. Volt buyers have the option to use other aftermarket 240-volt charging equipment and a local electrician. However, SPX and Chevrolet’s partnership offer consumers an easy, one-stop shopping experience with SPX handling all aspects of the installation process.
SPX provides consumers with a seamless integrated solution for installation of their 240V charge station. It all starts with a comprehensive on-line survey to help SPX understand the electrical needs of the consumer.
From there independent contractors, trained and certified by SPX, conduct an on-site survey, coordinate with the local utility company (regarding special programs, rates or metering requirements), provide an installation quote, secure the necessary permits, perform the installation and assist with the inspection.
Installation costs will vary based on each home’s electrical requirements. Installation services provided by SPX include a three-year warranty, and continuous customer support offered from a knowledgeable customer support team.
SPX will also advise customers of special government programs and incentives offered in their local area.
Designed for the Future
Designed as a global product ― and for a future in which industry standards are still in development ― SPX has also developed its own charge station that will operate from 95 to 264 volts at 50 or 60 Hertz. It also has a modular enclosure to accommodate various global plug configurations.
In addition, the SPX charge station is designed to handle future hardware updates. The base unit has an expansion port which will allow a peripheral device to be plugged in at a later date. This device will also meet future utility and automotive industry requirements such as smart meter communication standards.
Many industry standards are still in the process of being developed. SPX is an active participant with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) helping to develop these standards.
More Choices
In addition to the Voltec and SPX units, SPX also plans to offer Volt customers a choice of several different home charging units, including charge stations made by Coulomb Technologies and Ecototality. Prices will vary depending on the specific charge station (make, model, features) and applicable rebates and incentive programs. As plug-in vehicles are launched in volume and an aftermarket demand is created, SPX will also offer charging stations to resellers.
Learn More
For more details about the SPX home charging solution for the Chevrolet Volt, including the installation process, the benefits of home charging and frequently asked questions, visit www.homecharging.spx.com/volt.
Footnotes
[1]Angus MacKenzie, “2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year: Chevrolet Volt,” http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1101_2011_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_chevrolet_volt/index.html
[2]Jonathan Rauch, "Electro-Shock Therapy", The Atlantic, July/August 2008
[3]Norman Mayersohn (2010-10-15). "Sorting Myth From Fact as Volt Makes Its Debut". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/automobiles/17VOLT.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Chevy%20Volt&st=cse
[4]Susan Carpenter (2010-10-21). "Review: Chevy Volt — electrifying". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/21/business/la-fi-autos-chevrolet-volt-review-20101021
[5]Eberle, Ulrich; von Helmolt, Rittmar (2010-05-14)."Sustainable transportation based on electric vehicle concepts: a brief overview". Royal Society of Chemistry. http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/EE/article.asp?doi=c001674h.
[6]"Plugging In Your Volt: Not With Just Any Old Cord". Hybrid Cars. 2008-10-28.
[7]Sebastian Blanco (2010-10-6). .Chevy Volt's "Voltec" home charging unit will be just $490, but installation is still expensive. http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/06/chevy-volts-voltec-home-charging-unit-will-be-just-490-but/
[8]"GM Prices Volt Home Charger, Installation; Names National Installer".Edmunds.com. 2010-10-07. http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/10/gm-prices-volt-home-charger-installation-names-national-installer.html
[9]Eberle, Ulrich; von Helmolt, Rittmar (2010-05-14)."Sustainable transportation based on electric vehicle concepts: a brief overview". Royal Society of Chemistry. http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/EE/article.asp?doi=c001674h
Certain statements in this article, including any statements relating any products or services to be delivered by SPX, may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Please refer to our public filings for a discussion of certain important factors that relate to forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The word "expect," "believe," “plan,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Statements in this article speak only as of the date of this article, and SPX disclaims any responsibility to update or revise such statements.