NRG eVgo and Simon Property Group Unveil First-of-its-Kind Electric Vehicle Charging Station in the United States at Fashion Valley in San Diego
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 30, 2013 -- This afternoon, NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. and Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG), a global leader in the retail real estate industry, are introducing the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the country that can support all EVs on the road. San Diego’s first Freedom Station® at Fashion Valley features both SAE Combo and CHAdeMO direct current (DC) fast charge connectors, as well as traditional alternating current (AC) J1772 Level 2 EV charging, giving drivers in southern California unprecedented support for their on-the-go charging needs.
“California accounts for one-third of all electric vehicle sales in the US. The NRG eVgo Freedom Station at Fashion Valley gives California drivers freedom to go anywhere they want in the coolest cars on the road and at lower prices than gasoline cars,” said Terry O’Day, Vice President of Business Development for NRG eVgo in California. “With charging options at your home, apartments and work combined with on-the-go charging, our mission is to make it even easier to choose to drive an electric car.”
The unveiling of the charging station at one of the region’s most attractive shopping destinations aligns with the state’s goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California’s roadways by 2025. eVgo is building electric vehicle charging networks across the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Los Angeles Basin and San Diego area. As more Freedom Station sites are built and the network established, EV drivers will have access to hundreds of public fast-charging sites along with Level 2 charging stations at homes, offices, multi-family communities, schools and hospitals.
“Announcing our first NRG eVgo Freedom Station site at Fashion Valley reinforces our commitment to sustainability while also providing shoppers with unparalleled service and convenience,” said George Caraghiaur, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Simon Property Group. "This continues our leadership in developing a more sustainable shopping experience."
As the first charging station in North America to feature both the SAE Combo and CHAdeMO fast charging standards, the Freedom Station at Fashion Valley is designed to support both current and future charging technology to best serve EV drivers, regardless of what kind of electric vehicle they drive. All Freedom Station sites include standard 240-volt J1772 “Level 2” chargers to serve electric vehicles that do not have a fast charging option. DC fast chargers can deliver up to an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. Level 2 chargers deliver range at a rate of 12 – 25 miles per hour. Freedom Station sites are also wired for the addition of a second DC charger which can be done virtually overnight. Most sites are available 24/7 and are positioned near retail stores as well as restaurants to provide the option to shop or eat while charging.
Simon Property Group is a long-time industry leader in incorporating energy management and sustainability practices into its mall operations. Supporting the needs of energy-conscious consumers is part of the company’s sustainability strategy, as shoppers can plug in at 100 electric vehicle charging stations located at 43 of Simon’s shopping destinations across the U.S.
Fashion Valley is San Diego's finest collection of more than 200 stores and restaurants in a beautiful outdoor setting. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and jcpenney, Fashion Valley offers over 1.7 million square feet of retail space, making it the largest shopping mall in San Diego and one of the largest in California. The Freedom Station is located on the second floor of Parking Garage D at Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA 92108. Visit http://www.simon.com/mall/fashion-valley for more information.
About NRG eVgo
The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home charger and unlimited use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites – all for one low monthly fee. eVgo is a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across California, Texas and the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit http://www.eVgoNetwork.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @evgonetwork.
About Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is an S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry. The Company currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising approximately 241 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at http://www.simon.com.
Carly Kade, NRG Energy, http://www.eVgoNetwork.com, +1 (713) 819-2550, [email protected]
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