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"GE spent the second half of 2011 teasing its WattStation solution for powering electric vehicles. Now that the company has captured your attention with that slick, Yves Behar-designed \"pedestal,\" it's ready to deliver. In case you forgot, the WattStation Connect is a charging station / software platform developed in cooperation with Hertz that lets EV owners manage the power-up process remotely via a mobile app and the WattStation's three connectivity options: 3G, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The app, expected to hit iOS and Android in the coming weeks, also help users locate stations and lets them virtually pay for juicing up their vehicles. While the charging platform will work its way into the hearts and homes of those who own an EV, GE will also deploy this tech to retailers and fleet owners looking to zero in on their electricity usage. It's not yet clear where the WattStations will be or are already available, but GE is apparently ready to start the rollout now. Get the full details in the presser after the break.Show full PR text      GE Energy Launches the Fully Networked WattStation&amp;trade; and WattStation Connect   Software, a Complete Electric Vehicle Charging Platform     * Innovative Electric Vehicle Solution from GE Combines Connectivity,   Convenience, Safety and Reliability in an Integrated Charging System   * GE Energy's Industrial Solutions Business Works with Hertz&amp;reg; to Provide EV   Users with a Secure and Easy-to-Use System   * WattStation Charging Station Features Stylish Modern Design and   Intelligent Retractable Cord     SAE 2012 World Congress     Business Wire     DETROIT -- April 24, 2012     GE Energy's (NYSE: GE) Industrial Solutions business unveiled its new   ecomagination&amp;trade;-approved WattStation&amp;trade; and WattStation&amp;trade; Connect today at the SAE   2012 World Congress in Detroit, Mich. A complete, user-friendly electric   vehicle (EV) charging station and software platform, the solution allows   WattStation owners to manage charging stations remotely, giving them the   ability to manage and set customer pricing for EV charging, provide access   control at their facilities, generate valuable reports and engage with   customers in new ways. Now available, GE's sleek, stylish and modern designed   WattStation pedestal EV charger is easy to use, customizable and features a   retractable cord.     GE Energy is at work connecting people and ideas to create advanced   technologies like the WattStation and WattStation Connect. EV users can now   gather information and process payments in an easy-to-use, customizable,   reliable and secure system.     The WattStation Connect full-service software platform helps meet a wide   variety of EV needs, whether it is a retailer looking to attract new   customers, a commercial property manager in need of information on electricity   usage or a fleet owner in search of better cost-allocation data. WattStation   Connect provides owners a user-friendly method to manage, monitor and maintain   their EV charging ecosystem network.     \"We worked closely with Hertz in the development of the WattStation Connect   software because Hertz is at the forefront of electric vehicle deployment,\"   said Michael Mahan, product general manager, EV infrastructure for GE Energy's   Industrial Solutions business. \"Their global EV solutions in the U.S., Europe   and China require the advanced, networked stations that we offer.\"     Industrial Solutions is forming data acquisition agreements with key   navigation companies to share information on the installations and   availability of WattStations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This enables EV   drivers to view and locate GE's WattStations, obtain directions to the EV   charging stations, access pricing details and determine whether a unit is   available for charging. In addition to global positioningsystems (GPS), the GE   WattStation Connect data will be available through the Internet, mobile   app/device and future in-vehicle (built-in navigation) systems.     GE Energy's Industrial Solutions business is working with a well-known online   payment company to enable drivers to safely and conveniently pay for charging   fees through the WattStation Connect mobile app. The app will be available for   download in the coming weeks. EV drivers can use the mobile app to scan the   quick response (QR) barcode on the WattStation charger. The QR code will   identify the station and the pricing structure for that individual charger.     GE Energy's WattStation and WattStation Connect are designed to work within   the EV ecosystem, smart electronic commerce and monitoring systems, making it   energy efficient and providing customers with a no-hassle experience. The   award-winning WattStation^1 can be installed into any commercial, public or   retail location. EV users will be able to use this product at retail outlets,   hotels, office buildings, institutions such as hospitals, public and private   parking decks and street parking. Here are some of the benefits:     * Combining functionality with a modern design by renowned industrial   designer Yves Behar, the GE WattStation pedestal uses smart grid   technology and enables utility companies to manage the impact of electric   vehicles on the local and regional power grids. Its sleek interface with   LED indicator lights helps to identify when it's available for use,   charging an EV or if a fault has occurred.   * The WattStation's intelligent self-cleaning cord management system allows   for use in a multitude of environments without compromising the life of   the product. The cord is self contained within the charger to keep the   cord organized and out of the way when the charger is not in use. The cord   only retracts when the charger is disconnected from a vehicle, preventing   damage when the charger is in use.   * The upgradeable WattStation is designed to grow with its users' needs. Its   modular design simplifies in-field upgrades and ensures that EV charging   facilities can expand without the need for costly replacement equipment.   * Three modes of communication (cellular 3G, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections)   provide WattStation owners with flexibility for communicating back to the   WattStation Connect network. The WattStation Connect software offers the   flexibility of different packages (fleet, corporate and commercial) and   customizable payment options.   * GE's WattStation Connect mobile app enables EV owners to locate stations,   see station availability, pay for charging their vehicle and check the   status of the charge while their vehicle is charging. The mobile app will   be available at the Apple iTunes Store&amp;reg; and Android&amp;trade; Market. Radio   Frequency Identification (RFID) technology provides secure access to the   charging station.   * Through the GE EV Certified Installer program, users can tap into GE's   network of service providers for the assistance they need to make their EV   charging projects a reality.   * Placing safety first, with ground fault protection and NEMA 3R   indoor/outdoor rating, GE's WattStation meets all UL and fire safety   standards.     \"GE has a full range of electrical distribution products required to support   EV deployment and to move power from the grid to the road, helping our   customers operate in a smarter, more networked world,\" added Mahan. \"Our EV   charging solutions offer a variety of options that make sense for you and your   community. Whether you need durability, modern style, freestanding units,   software-enabled or simple charging functionality, GE has designed leading   technology for the delivery, management, conversion and optimization of   electrical power and can connect you to the most effective, convenient   solution for you.\"     To earn ecomagination approval, a product is evaluated for its ability to   significantly and measurably improve the customer's environmental and   operating performance. Green Order, a consulting firm, helps verify the   rigorous, multi-tiered qualification process to ensure accuracy and thorough   documentation of technological performance.     For more information on GE Energy's EV solutions, please visit its website,   check it out on Facebook or follow on Twitter @GEindustrial.     Apple iTunes Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and   other countries.     Android is a trademark of Google Inc."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/25/ge-wattstation-wattstation-connect-charging-evs/>