Expanded Partnership Brings Charging Stations to Kroger Stores in Several Key Markets Across the Country
SAN FRANCISCO and CINCINNATI, April 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
ECOtality, Inc., a leader in clean electric transportation and storage
technologies (Nasdaq:ECTY), and The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) today
announced an expanded partnership including over 200 level 2 (quick
charge) charging stations, and 25 DC Fast Chargers, to be installed
across key markets through the EV Project. This multimillion dollar
expansion will bring the total number of Blink chargers at the Kroger
Family of Stores to almost 300.
“As plug-in electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular with our
customers, we are pleased to offer the convenience of electric vehicle
charging stations at more of our stores in markets with the highest
demand,” said Keith Dailey, Kroger spokesperson. “Kroger is excited to
contribute to the growth of this national network.”
“Retailers across the country are quickly realizing the benefits of
installing our Blink chargers. Independent research shows that Blink
card holders routinely reward these establishments with more time in
their stores and repeat business,” stated Ravi Brar, CEO of ECOtality
Inc. “Kroger not only recognizes this value, but continues to show its
commitment to be a leader in sustainability for the food retail
industry. We are thrilled that the nation’s largest supermarket chain,
Kroger, chose to expand its EV charging station roll-out with Blink.”
Details of the agreement include a $1.5 million investment by Kroger to
install over 200 Blink charging stations, including 25 DC Fast
Chargers, at 125 locations in several key markets including Phoenix,
San Diego and Los Angeles. These stations are in addition to 60 already
installed in Oregon and Washington, and 14 in Texas.
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 http://www.ecotality.com.
The ECOtality, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13434
About The EV Project
ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project, a research
initiative to help build America’s future EV infrastructure. To date,
The EV Project has gathered more than 70 million miles of EV driver
data that will serve to support the deployment of EVs in key markets.
The project is a public-private partnership, funded in part by the U.S.
Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant and made possible
by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). For more
information about The EV Project, please visit http://www.theevproject.com
About Kroger
Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs 343,000
associates who serve customers in 2,424 supermarkets and
multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names
including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer,
Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates
786 convenience stores, 328 fine jewelry stores, 1,169 supermarket fuel
centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes
as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief,
breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than
30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food
and funds equal to 160 million meals a year through more than 80
Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity,
Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S.
Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club
