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Monrovia, Calif. — Jan. 15, 2015 – AeroVironment, Inc., a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and the preferred home charging solution supplier for five global automakers, has introduced TurboDock – a next-generation EV charging station for commercial and workplace settings that is controlled through a smartphone app.
Out of the box, TurboDock charges at Level 1 (12 amps/120 volts), or at Level 2 (16 Amps/240 Volts), which will recharge EVs on a typical commute in less than four hours, making TurboDock ideal for commercial and workplace environments.
TurboDock is packed with features specially designed to make it the ideal commercial and workplace charging solution.
“TurboDock is the simple, quick, and practical workplace charging system because it’s easy to install, easy to use, cost-effective and secure,” said Wahid Nawabi, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Efficient Energy Systems business segment.
The first-of-its-kind system puts Bluetooth-enabled smartphone access control of charging stations right at the fingertips of employers, landlords, and property managers who need a better solution for meeting the charging demands of their EV-driving staff, tenants, and patrons.
“Importantly,” Nawabi added, “TurboDock costs less to own and maintain.”
Among its many cost-saving features, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity eliminates the need for costly dedicated cellular service, which can represent a savings of hundreds of dollars each year.
“Moreover, its modular design offers maximum flexibility,” Nawabi noted, explaining that TurboDock comes in two models, a pedestal unit that accommodates one to four chargers per location and a wall adapter that can be configured with one or two chargers per location. This modular design makes it easy to expand the number of chargers as needed over time.
TurboDock can be configured easily to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each operator. For example, an administrator can give one universal access code to all of the EV-driving users, assign each user his own unique access code, or choose open access for all users. TurboDock makes switching between open access and access control quick and simple.
Benefits of using TurboDock in the workplace include enhanced employee productivity and satisfaction. When configured for 12 amp or 16 amp charging, TurboDock provides twice as many chargers with the same electrical service required for a 30 amp charging. More chargers mean increased productivity since TurboDock alleviates the need for EV-driving employees to move their vehicles during the workday so someone else can use the charger.
For multi-unit dwelling owners, TurboDock represents a value-added amenity to attract and retain tenants. Commercial property managers will benefit from the longer “staying time” TurboDock will afford their EV-driving patrons who will likely stay/shop longer while their vehicles recharge.
With fewer parts subject to damage or wearing out, TurboDock significantly improves uptime. TurboDock also eliminates the costs associated with managing access cards or key fobs. Additionally, TurboDock is upgradeable, allowing the addition of future options and next-generation software through the smartphone app.
TurboDock costs $1,299 (MSRP) for the charging module only and $1,798 (MSRP) for the charging module and mounting plate or pedestal. For more information, visit TurboDock.com.
