Don't Miss AltWheels Fleet Day 2021

Mark your calendars—AltWheels Fleet Day 2021 is only a few weeks away!

“Fueling the Path Forward: Emerging Trends” is the theme of this year’s virtual event, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. (ET) on Monday, Oct. 4.

Voltrek is always proud to sponsor AltWheels Fleet Day, the largest annual meeting of corporate and municipal fleet managers on the East Coast. This highly anticipated event focuses on sustainable transportation trends and best practices, and provides a forum for fleet managers to share unique insights about this exciting era of electrification.

REGISTER NOW: https://bit.ly/38PtR8m

National Drive Electric Week 2021

Curious about what driving electric is like?

Find out during National Drive Electric Week 2021, coming up September 25 – October 3. You can register to attend a safe in-person or online event where driving electric is explained, and you can meet electric car owners themselves.

Be sure to take the brief survey after registering to be eligible for a $250 Visa gift card drawing!

To learn more about how to attend or participate in the event, please visit driveelectricweek.org.

National Grid Deploys Innovative EV Chargers in Melrose, MA

Voltrek CEO Kathleen Connors and Senior Electrical Designer Phil Iannazzi recently attended a ribbon-cutting event for this monumental project!

Our team’s installation of utility-pole-mounted chargers for electric vehicles is the FIRST project of its kind on the East Coast. This pilot program for National Grid will no doubt serve as a national model for making Level 2 charging infrastructure more affordable to deploy, as well as improve access and equitability in communities.

Several industry partners have helped to bring this project to fruition, including EVSE, LLC and AmpUp. We appreciate having their expertise and support with this endeavor!

Here’s a news release with further details about the project: http://ow.ly/WjIX50EFtG0

Voltrek Chosen for National Grid's Innovative Pilot Program in Melrose, MA

Voltrek, as National Grid’s lead contractor for deploying electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, is thrilled to participate in an innovative pilot program in Massachusetts.

Currently, our team is installing new EV charging stations onto wooden utility poles for the City of Melrose, a state-designated Green Community that plans to host 18 EV chargers total by the end of 2021. This unique configuration for charging stations has inherent technical and logistical challenges. It is not common practice in the United States and may be the first such undertaking in the New England region.

Voltrek is leveraging its extensive electrical expertise and relationships with trusted trade partners to provide swift, streamlined solutions to fulfill project expectations. Additionally, our goal is to devise highly efficient, cost-saving installation strategies for utility-pole-mounted charging stations that can be utilized on future National Grid projects.

There are many advantages to transforming utility poles into multifunctional pieces of infrastructure, especially in densely populated urban areas with limited space for standalone charging bays. Benefits include avoiding costly and disruptive excavation activities beneath streets and sidewalks, and easing the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in communities—including areas where there are logistical hurdles to installing standalone chargers.

The City of Melrose has a progressive goal to become a carbon-neutral community by 2050, which hinges on the widespread adoption of clean transportation options, among other initiatives. Making it easier and more affordable to add new EV charging infrastructure is paramount to achieving the city’s long-term sustainability initiatives.

In celebration of Earth Week 2021, the City of Melrose is hosting a series of social and educational events to drive green initiatives. This includes an electric vehicle parade taking place on Thursday, April 22. Voltrek representatives plan to be there!

Check out the city’s full list of Earth Day 2021 events here: https://www.cityofmelrose.org/mayor/earth-week-2021

EV Charging: A Great Investment for Commercial Real Estate!

Commercial real estate developers are chomping at the bit in America’s race for charging stations!

These hubs don’t just power electric cars—they also deliver customers. While drivers wait for a charge, they’re likely to do some shopping to pass the time. KA-CHING!

Today’s soaring EV market makes it a great time to invest in charging infrastructure. Give Voltrek a call or shoot us an email to get started on your project: www.voltrek.com

Drive Electric Earth Day 2021

Drive Electric Earth Day kicks off this week!

The festivities begin TODAY at 1 p.m. (ET) with an online event featuring actress and EV driver Hope Levy and Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. The duo plans to preview some of the exciting activities taking place throughout April for this national celebration of electric vehicles.

Everyone loves freebies! RSVP for any event—including the one today—and you could win a $250 Visa gift card. Check it out: http://ow.ly/u2AU50DVe2N

President Biden's $2T Infrastructure Plan Includes EV Charging

President Biden's proposed $2 trillion infrastructure package would support his vision of creating "the strongest, most resilient, innovative economy in the world." Top priorities include building more electric vehicle charging stations and enhancing the electric grid, among other needs.

Check out this CNBC story below to learn more: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/31/biden-infrastructure-plan-includes-corporate-tax-hike-transportation-spending.html

Voltrek's Newest Case Study: Hilton Garden Inn (Watertown, NY)

Take a look at Voltrek’s new case study! It features the FIRST location in America that offers dynamic charging solutions from ABB!

EV Connect and Voltrek partnered together on this install at Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown, New York. The location has four Terra HP chargers belonging to the statewide EVolve NY charging network, part of a New York Power Authority (NYPA) initiative supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Follow this link to view the case study: http://ow.ly/OO3E50EeHgY

Don't Miss the Electric Vehicle 101 Webinar!

Are you interested in learning more about electric vehicles? If so, then you’ll want to attend next week’s Electric Vehicle 101 Webinar! It takes place on Tuesday, March 23, from 6-7 p.m. (ET).

The virtual event is sponsored by Environment America and features a great panel of electric vehicle owners and experts, including clean transportation advocate Joel Levin of Plug In America.

Register for the 1-hour webinar here: http://ow.ly/5mDQ50DVfcF

Video Alert: The Dirty Truth about Combustion Engine Vehicles

This is one of the BEST myth-buster videos we’ve seen that exposes the truth behind vehicle pollution.

It’s packed with great insights and keeps viewers entertained with hilarious animations. Trust us, you’ll be rollin’ by the end of it!

View it here: http://ow.ly/Y27z50DVgu1

Biden Administration Wants to Build 500,000 New EV Chargers

What incredible news! Industry experts anticipate a multibillion-dollar federal investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next decade. Our team at Voltrek looks forward to supporting this continued EV boom with our expert infrastructure solutions.

Check out this Yahoo news article for more details: https://www.yahoo.com/news/president-biden-hopes-build-500-133655027.html

INFRA Funding Deadline Is Next Week!

Heads up! Next Friday, March 19, is the deadline to apply for FY 2021 funding through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program.

There’s $889 million available in INFRA grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eligible project costs may include:

• Reconstruction/rehabilitation

• Property acquisition (including land related to the project and improvements to the land)

• Environmental mitigation

• Construction contingencies

• Equipment acquisition

• Operational improvements directly related to system performance
  

Also, this year there’s a new “INFRA Extra” program for applicants who do not receive an INFRA award. They will be eligible for a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan up to 49% of their project cost.

To learn more about these critical transportation funding opportunities, go to: http://ow.ly/clbe50DVhNz

Semiconductor Chip Scarcity Could Have Dire Impact on Electric Vehicle Production

Have you heard about the “automotive chip famine” that has crippled vehicle production worldwide?

Pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions are largely to blame for this global shortage of semiconductor chips, which in the auto industry are used for vital components such as safety sensors, brake systems and driver assistance technology as well as batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

Manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, Volkswagen AG and now Tesla have had to delay or halt production because of chip scarcity, which could last into the third quarter of 2021, according to market analysts.

Considering that many EV manufacturers had plans to ramp up production this year, it will be interesting to see how this crisis impacts the projected growth of the EV market. Here’s a whitepaper from IHS Markit with further insights: http://ow.ly/iXDc50DVLpT

If you’re looking to buy a new EV in this unpredictable market, you might be interested in the helpful shopping tips found on Cars.com: http://ow.ly/GGRO50DVLqZ

Women in Construction Week 2021

It’s Women in Construction Week, a perfect time to recognize Voltrek’s intrepid leader, Kathleen Connors.

One could say that passion and perseverance fuel Kathleen’s entrepreneurial spirit. She launched her Massachusetts-based firm in 2010 and, as CEO, guides a tight-knit team that specializes in deploying commercial electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the Northeast.

Kathleen takes great pride in operating a thriving small business that provides good-paying jobs to the local community while also supporting a healthier environment through clean transportation solutions. Out of all her day-to-day responsibilities, she most enjoys building relationships with clients, trade partners and industry advocates, among others.

Want to learn more about Kathleen’s professional journey? Then check out this magazine cover story published by The Blue Book Building & Construction Network®: http://ow.ly/eRyS50DVlmS

ChargePoint Is Now a Publicly Traded Company!

Congrats to ChargePoint on expanding your horizons and making it on the NYSE! The future of clean mobility is looking even brighter now!

Here’s the official press release announcement: https://www.chargepoint.com/about/news/chargepoint-becomes-worlds-first-publicly-traded-global-ev-charging-network/

A Nice Day for a Quick Charge!

Just stopping by for a fast charge in Chicopee, MA, in between client appointments. Now Voltrek's project director, Sean Leach, is ready to zoom off to a site visit!

Westborough Golf Club Now Offering Charging for Electric Vehicles

Here’s another “hole-in-one” project for the Voltrek team! Our crew successfully installed two ChargePoint CT4021 stations at the scenic Westborough Golf Club, a premier municipal golf course in Massachusetts.

Kudos to energy provider National Grid for offering financial incentives that covered much of the infrastructure installation costs on this project. There’s no doubt that patrons will appreciate the convenience of charging their electric vehicles while enjoying a relaxing day on the green!

Voltrek Makes EV Charging Simple for Clients

Despite the pandemic, Voltrek has stayed busy deploying electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the Northeast.

Expertise is key in this niche sector, as there is no cookie-cutter approach to installing an EV charging station. Through an in-depth discovery process, our staff engages with clients to custom-design each project. We ask preliminary questions such as:

• What is the most cost-effective station placement?

• Do you have electrical capacity?

• Have you determined your usage policies?

• Are you going to charge for charging?

• What will the electric costs be?

• What other ongoing costs will you incur?

• How will you control access and manage use?

• Does your project qualify for incentives and/or grants?

Voltrek excels at making EV charging simple for clients. We’ve been at this for over a decade and know what it takes to deliver customized solutions for jobs of all scope and scale.

Voltrek Gears Up to Install 9 New EV Chargers in Rockport, MA

It's official! Voltrek will soon be installing 9 electric vehicle (EV) chargers for the town of Rockport, Massachusetts. These new ChargePoint stations will be strategically located at four locations: Town Hall, the Town Hall Annex, Back Beach and the Transfer Station parking lots.

Congrats to Rockport's Green Community Task Force and National Grid for spearheading a project that could benefit both residents and the local tourism industry!

To learn more, check out this article in Gloucester Daily Times: http://ow.ly/g6bi50DBPMU

Register Now for MOVE America Virtual 2021

Want the latest intel about the future of sustainable transport? Then don’t miss out on MOVE America Virtual 2021, coming March 17-18!

This FREE online event is geared toward OEMs, transport operators, tech companies, energy giants, fleets, fast-growing startups, policymakers and others in the transportation tech industry. The two-day program features 70+ speakers and over 100 conference sessions (live and on-demand), along with roundtables and interactive workshops—plus much more.

Here’s the link to register: http://bit.ly/EDTARegister