TROY, MI – Oct. 25, 2011 – TE Connectivity (TE) and Juice Technologies, doing business as Plug Smart, announced today their teaming arrangement to provide smart Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions enabling customers to meter their EV’s electricity consumption and communicate data via an innovative smart charging cord and socket. TE and Juice have a license agreement to bring this 120 volt (Level 1) charging solution to market.
“TE Connectivity is excited to add the Plug Smart Level 1 electric vehicle smart charging technology to TE’s portfolio of innovative grid to vehicle solutions,” said John Hewitt, TE Vice President and General Manager, Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure. “Ubiquitous, cost-effective connectivity is essential in this market.”
The smart cord features a SAE J1772 connector and works in any 120 volt receptacle. The cord features a charging status light bar which illuminates during charging as well as a dashboard conveying the price of electricity. Utility companies can control the device via the smart socket to enable Demand Response during peakperiods. Inline safety circuitry protects the system and users.
The smart socket fits over a standard 120 volt receptacle without any electrical wiring, site permitting or inspection, drastically reducing the cost to install smart charging technology. The smart socket meters the electricity consumed by the EV and includes anti-theft, anti-tamper security mechanisms confirming only authorized EVs are drawing power.
“Electric vehicles will change the way we fuel our cars and managing this load is critical for a clean and safe utility grid,” said Aaron Martlage, Juice Vice President, Global Strategy. “Plug Smart and TE have teamed up to make economical, intelligent electric vehicle charging a reality via Level 1 smart charging cords and smart sockets.”
TE and Plug Smart will be piloting the Level 1 smart cord and smart socket in a nationwide program with utilities, corporations and universities.