ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECTY) announced that it’s electric vehicle chargers will now integrate with Cisco’s (Nasdaq: CSCO) Home Energy Management Solution (HEMS).
As a result home chargers on the Blink Network interface can be accessed and programmed through the Cisco Home Energy Controller (HEC) touch-screen device.
Cisco’s HEMS technology will be deployed as part of The EV Project, a large-scale rollout of EV infrastructure supported by the U.S. Department of energy and managed by ECOtality.
“Energy management is one of the key smart features of Blink charging stations. By combining Cisco’s Home Energy Management solution with our Blink Network charger interface, consumers will now be able to monitor and control their energy use–including EV charging–at home and on the road,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “The Blink interface communicates directly with utilities to determine off-peak and low-cost charging times, and allows consumers to maximize energy usage and reduce costs."
The Cisco Home Energy Controller (HEC) helps residential customers monitor and control their energy use in the home. An optional set of Cisco compatible, tested peripherals can be wirelessly connected to the HEC in order to provide monitoring and control of energy loads such as HVAC systems, pool pumps, water heaters, appliances, and other devices.
The Blink Home Charging Station is equipped with an easy-to-use 7-inch touch screen display where users can control the Blink Network charger interface. With the Cisco HEC, consumers will be able to access the charger interface remotely.