ECOtality sets up EV chargingfacility JV in China

Alfred Tian/田永秋

TIANJIN– ECOtality, a leading US EV charging technologies with the world’s largest connected EV charging network, has joined forces with Changchun Eco-Power Technology Co., Ltd. to manufacture and distribute EV charging stations in China, accoridng to company press release.

The JV, Tianjin Eco-Power Technology Co, Ltd., will use ECOtality’s latest charging technology and facilities to serve a range of Evs in China, including two and three-wheel vehicles, buses, material handling equipment, and airport ground support. The JV will establish a new assembly facility for charging systems in Tianjin soon. The transacton is subject to the final approval of China’s government authorities.

To encourage the development of EVs, China’s adopted ‘12th Five-Year Plan’ for developing the nation’s EV industry, which calls for establishing a network of 2,000 charging stations with 400,000 EV chargers in more than 20 pilot cities across China by 2015.

 “China is rapidly expanding its leadership position in the electric vehicle market by implementing fleets and public transit applications that require high-power charging solutions like ECOtality produces,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, Inc. “Forming this joint venture with the highly capable management team of Changchun Eco-Power allows us to immediately address this tremendous greenfield opportunity.”

Wei Lu, CEO of Changchun Eco-Power Technology, commented: “ Our joint venture with ECOtality, will greatly accelerate our market penetration, and enable us to participate in the exciting opportunities generated by the development of China’s EV infrastructure.”

According to a Pike Research, the Asia Pacific region is expected to continue to lead the world in the sale of electric vehicles, despite of recent slowdown on demands. During 2012, Pike Research estimates that global EV sales will surpass 257,000 units, nearly half of which will be sold in the Asia market.