SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY), a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, announced today a partnership with Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) to install Blink® Pedestal electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 14 Kohl’s locations nationwide. As the newest EV Project partner, Kohl’s will work together with ECOtality to identify sites for the charging stations in EV Project markets in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Tennessee.
“Kohl’s Department Stores is one of the retail industry’s biggest sustainability advocates. Kohl’s corporate commitment to green building practices and renewable energy integration aligns perfectly with ECOtality’s mission to establish a rich EV charging infrastructure that encourages EV adoption,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, Inc. “We are excited to partner with Kohl’s to take its sustainability efforts one step further—and bring our Blink charging stations to destinations that EV drivers frequent.”
ECOtality is in the process of installing a total of 42 Blink Pedestal charging stations across 14 Kohl’s locations across five key EV Project markets. Each Kohl’s store will have a minimum of two reserved parking spots for EVs, and several sites have up to four charging stations.
“Kohl’s pilot of electric vehicle charging stations demonstrates our commitment to advancing environmental solutions in a meaningful and tangible way for our customers,” said John Worthington, Kohl’s chief administrative officer. “Not only are these stations an added shopper convenience, they also encourage environmental responsibility among our shoppers. We will continue to explore additional locations to pilot charging stations at our stores nationwide.”
The Blink Network of charging stations provides EV drivers the freedom to travel as they choose and conveniently charge at Blink commercial locations along the way. By becoming Blink Members, consumers may also yield even greater advantages of the Blink Network, such as local incentive programs, reservation systems, and enhanced Blink Network capabilities.
ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of EVs in these key markets. The project is a public-private partnership, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant and made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). For more information about The EV Project, please visit www.theevproject.com.
The new EV charging stations support Kohl's commitment to being a leading environmentally responsible retailer through strategies including waste reduction and recycling, environmentally responsible building design and operation, use and support of renewable energy, energy efficiency initiatives and stakeholder engagement. To date, the company has more than 110 solar locations in nine states and ranks first in retail and second overall on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of top green power purchasers. In spring 2011, Kohl’s also launched its first two wind locations at its Findlay, Ohio distribution center and Corpus Christi, Texas store. The company has more than 650 ENERGY STAR-labeled stores nationwide. In recognition of these efforts, Kohl’s was named a 2011 Green Power Partner of the Year and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.
Additional information about Kohl’s environmental efforts is available at www.KohlsGreenScene.com. Kohl’s comprehensive environmental program, Advancing Environmental Solutions, is part of the Kohl’s Cares® philanthropic platform, committed to making communities happier, healthier, greener places to live and work. Additional information about Kohl’s Cares is available at www.Kohls.com/Cares.
About ECOtality, Inc.
ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY), headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.
About Kohl's Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl’s operates 1,127 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $180 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.