Apr 27 2011
ECOtality to Install Blink Electric Vehicle Chargers at Macy’s Department Stores
ECOtality to Install Blink® Electric Vehicle Chargers at Macy’s Department Stores

Macy’s Becomes the First Major Department Store Chain to Join The EV Project

SAN FRANCISCO – April 27, 2011
ECOtality, Inc. (NASDAQ:ECTY), a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, announced today that Macy’s (NYSE:M) has become an EV Project partner. Through the partnership, ECOtality will install ECOtality’s Blink Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 Commercial Pedestal Charging stations at Macy’s store locations in the San Diego Metropolitan area. Macy’s will work with ECOtality to pilot the use of Blink EV chargers, and if successful, may expand the project to more locations within The EV Project.

“With Macy’s focus on environmental initiatives, we are thrilled to announce their entrance as the first department store chain into The EV Project,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “We are executing on our strategy to install Blink EV charging stations at locations where people visit as part of their daily routines. Our vision is to continue to expand our network so that it will not be about finding a station to plug in, but about parking and plugging in where you shop, eat, work, and play.”

As part of the agreement, Macy’s and ECOtality will identify six Macy’s store locations in the San Diego metropolitan area for the installation of two Blink Level 2 Commercial Pedestal Chargers outside each store. ECOtality will begin installing Blink charging stations at Macy’s store locations in Summer 2011.

Blink Level 2 Commercial Pedestal Chargers incorporate smart elements of design to provide intelligent, user-friendly features that intuitively and safely charge EVs. The fully interactive 7-inch, color touch screens and web-based information delivery via the Blink Network provide media and marketing opportunities for businesses, with or without chargers at their locations.

The Blink Network of charging stations provides all EV drivers the freedom to travel wherever they choose and charge at commercial locations conveniently identified along the way. EV drivers will be able to charge at any Blink station through a variety of options including interoperable RFID cards or fobs, smartphone applications, and mobile phone and credit card based payment options. Consumers may also yield even greater advantages of the Blink Network, such as discounted charging rates, reservation systems, and enhanced Blink Network capabilities by becoming Blink Members.

In addition, the recently launched Blink Mobile Application for smartphones and mobile devices, will enable users to find Blink charger locations, utilize GPS navigation, and receive charge status notifications. The Blink Mobile Application is scheduled for release and available for download by Summer of 2011.

ECOtality is project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of approximately 14,000 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 8,300 EVs. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant of $114.8 million, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The grants are matched by private investment, bringing the total value of the project to approximately $230 million. For more information about The EV Project, please visit www.theevproject.com.

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