OPEN 2021: Solving Critical Energy Issues Through Innovation

Voltrek applauds this vital investment to help solve the critical energy issues facing America today.

Anyone with creative, technology-driven ideas for energy innovation is encouraged to submit a proposal through the OPEN 2021 program, which is sponsored by ARPA-E at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). There’s currently $100 million in new funding available, and the deadline to apply is April 6, 2021.

Learn more about OPEN 2021 here: https://bit.ly/33Iicpv

For more details about the U.S. DOE funding announcement, follow this link: http://ow.ly/dXgJ50DDleM

Today's EV Drivers Value Cleaner Air, Environmental Benefits

Last fall, Plug In America conducted a national survey of people who drive—or are considering purchasing—an electric vehicle (EV). The feedback was very insightful!

As expected, cleaner air and environmental benefits ranked high on the list of reasons that drivers prefer EVs. Also, most EV owners plan to stick with battery-operated transport in the future. These positive responses paint an encouraging picture for greater EV adoption!

Of course, there was some not-so-great feedback. Some people noted that public charging stations are not always properly maintained, which can create frustrating reliability issues.

Voltrek can help with this! Our service and maintenance department offers continuous 24/7 support to ensure charging stations stay in tip-top condition. We also upgrade systems as needed and even help clients apply for incentives/grants to help offset the cost.

Let the experts care for your EV charging stations. Contact us today to get started.

Also, you can access the full report from Plug In America here: http://ow.ly/cJ6t50DCkar

A Refreshing Win for Massachusetts Transportation System

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

This popular saying fits the recent decision to add more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Massachusetts by using a portion of the 2017 Volkswagen diesel emissions court settlement. The $4 million earmarked for EV charging infrastructure includes $1.5 million for fast-charging stations, $1.5 million for public-access charging stations and $1 million for workplace and fleet charging stations.

These strategic investments are a refreshing win for our state’s transportation network, don’t you think?

Act Fast To Get MassEVIP Funding!

Are you interested in building—or upgrading—EV charging stations in Massachusetts? If so, contact us ASAP to apply for this year’s MassEVIP funding—it’ll go FAST!

Stephanie Pollack Joins FHWA

Congratulations to Stephanie Pollack on her new position at the Federal Highway Administration! Her many years of great work as the Secretary of Transportation in Massachusetts will serve her well as she helps the new presidential administration upgrade infrastructure systems nationwide.

Follow this link for more details from The Boston Globe: http://ow.ly/glGN50DCjKA

Electric News from the Biden Administration

President Biden has promised to transition to an all-electric fleet of federal vehicles, made right here in the USA! The team at Voltrek applauds this top-level support of clean mobility solutions, and is proud to do its part to support a healthier and more resilient future for all Americans.

Groundbreaking Initiative Focuses on Clean Mobility Investments

There’s been lots of buzz about a trailblazing initiative in our region focusing on mobility, equity and climate. Government leaders from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. have formed the bipartisan Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), which was created to enhance investments in clean, equitable transportation options and create new employment opportunities.

For Massachusetts specifically, the goal is to reduce motor vehicle pollution by at least 26% and infuse the state economy with over $1.8 billion by 2032. A portion of program funding will be allocated to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including the development of interstate EV charging corridors, which is huge!

Follow this link for further details: http://ow.ly/8HyR50DeBGH

Limited Funding Available for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Projects in Massachusetts

Attention employers and fleet operators in Massachusetts! State funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure was expanded in 2021. Enhancements to the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) include the following:

• Fleet operators can apply for funding to build out Level 1 and Level 2 charging infrastructure—both private and publicly accessible.

• Multi units only need 5 units to qualify now (it was 10 in the past).

• Education customers can also apply for funding.

• The generic non-workplace “public” program is back online. Entities that are willing to have chargers publicly accessible for at least 12 hours per day can apply for funding.

MassEVIP opportunities are available to everyone interested in commercial EV charging solutions—including businesses, municipalities, state agencies and public colleges/universities. Voltrek has extensive experience in helping clients apply for this funding, which will go quick! To learn more about MassEVIP funding opportunities, contact us at www.voltrek.com.

Voltrek Performs Turnkey Project at Munters Corporation

Thanks to sustainability-driven upgrades at the Munters Corporation campus in Amesbury, Massachusetts, 400+ employees now have access to five new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Voltrek spearheaded the entire private installation, from design to managing the build-out of the dual-port ChargePoint terminals, which can charge up to 10 vehicles at any given time.

Additionally, Voltrek helped the client secure grants from the state as well as National Grid’s “make-ready” EV program, saving tens of thousands of dollars in upfront costs. In a recent interview with The Daily News, company spokespersons from Munters likened these incentives to winning the lottery. 😉

Are you looking to invest in an EV charging hub? Voltrek can help you navigate the entire process, start to finish! Reach out to us now for more details.

Great Incentives Now Available for EV Charging Infrastructure

Heads up! Massachusetts has GREAT funding opportunities for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in 2021.

Property owners can utilize the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) to construct brand-new EV chargers, or even upgrade old/outdated stations. Voltrek has an excellent track record of getting clients the funding they need through MassEVIP.

Reach out to us today for more information!

Massachusetts Leads the Way in Addressing Climate Crisis

Massachusetts is once again setting a nation-leading example in climate action.

By 2035, all new vehicles sold in the Commonwealth must be electric. Along with advancing the state’s ultimate goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative will benefit communities by improving air quality and unlocking new opportunities for job creation and economic growth.

To learn more, read the state's full press release here: http://ow.ly/d3ow50D3epW

MassEVIP Now Offers Funding for Direct Current Fast Charging

Did you hear? DC (direct current) fast charging is now covered through the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP)!

These stations will be vital to all EV drivers, including those traveling through main corridors and high-traffic areas, and for charging fleet vehicles operated by municipalities, utilities, businesses and others.

The deadline to apply for this new funding is March 19, 2021, so contact us ASAP to get started on your application.

Voltrek Team Installs Ultra-Fast ABB Terra HP Chargers in Jefferson County, New York

The word is out! New York just unveiled its FIRST fast-charging station for electric vehicles in Jefferson County.

The new hub at Watertown's Hilton Garden Inn features Terra HP chargers from ABB. This dynamic-charging solution can be used by any EV and offers lightning-quick speeds—from 175kW up to 350kW, which is more powerful than Tesla’s superchargers! Voltrek lent its design and installation expertise on this milestone project to prime contractor EV Connect.

The Watertown installation belongs to the statewide EVolve NY charging network, part of a New York Power Authority (NYPA) initiative designed to encourage the widespread adoption of EVs. For your reading delight, here's a news release with further details: http://ow.ly/NFrj50CHc7B

Information about the Watertown EVolve NY fast chargers, and others coming online, can be found on PlugShare at http://ow.ly/NrkX50CHcfW or by downloading the Chargeway app.

Happy Holidays!

EVs Are Fun for the Whole Family ... and Even Man's Best Friend!

When it’s time to hit the road, spunky Pippa always calls shotgun!

Let’s face it, it’s more fun to chase squirrels when you’re cruising in an electric vehicle. 😉

Of course the BEST feature of this Tesla is the “dog mode” shown on the dash, which keeps the climate comfortable while the owner is away.

EVBox Goes Public!

What thrilling news! Congrats to our friends at EVBox for surging ahead as a global provider of smart charging solutions for electric vehicles.

Learn more here: http://ow.ly/ALUS50CTj1X

EV Charging Is So Easy, Even a Toddler Can Do It!

This adorable little miss is Voltrek CEO Kathleen Connors’ granddaughter!

Plug In America's Joel Levin Weighs in on Future of Battery-Powered Vehicles

"And then the world starts to get interesting."

Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, made this candid statement in a recent interview with Utility Dive: Energy and Utility News. He believes the continuing decline in battery costs for electric vehicles (EVs) will soon dispel range anxiety concerns and allow EVs to become a practical and desirable frontrunner in the automobile industry.

Over the last decade, EV battery costs have fallen from $1,183/kWh to $135/kWh, dropping about 15% annually as batteries were manufactured to be smaller, more powerful and dense. This month, a historic milestone was achieved when a battery for electric buses in China dropped under $100/kWh. In the U.S., government and industry experts speculate that costs for passenger EVs could drop to $80/kWh by 2030—or sooner.

Read on to see how declining battery costs are key to speeding the adoption of EVs: http://ow.ly/BbQJ50CP6BR

Clean Mobility Fits Naturally with Sustainable Design

The future is GREEN! (In sustainable design, that is.)

Incorporating clean mobility solutions—like electric vehicle charging stations—into your building plans provides major points toward achieving LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Want to learn more? Give us a call!

Consumer Reports Confirms Electric Cars Really Are Cheaper!

BIG NEWS! A new study by Consumer Reports confirms that electric vehicles SAVE MONEY compared to the best-selling and most "efficient" gas-guzzling counterparts in their class.

Consumer Reports surveyed 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) drivers and analyzed depreciation, financing, sale prices and fuel costs. The study revealed that EV owners can save between $6K-$10K in lifetime costs compared to a gas-powered car. This is because EV drivers typically spend 60% less to power their vehicles and invest half as much on repair and maintenance, among other factors.

Want a deeper look at the cost savings realized by driving an EV? Check out this article by Consumer Reports, which has a link to the complete report: http://ow.ly/K8uO50CFCuK

You can also take a gander at this blog post by the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, which offers great insights about the study: http://ow.ly/HYoU50CFCaP