Wisconsin dealership is first in the state to provide charge stations
Madison, WI. Customers at Smart Motors are getting all charged up—and they’re getting re-charged free of charge. To help Madison become an even greener city, the automotive dealership is providing electric recharge stations that work with any make of electric vehicle (EV) or plug in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) for free.
The “Smart Charge Stations,” as they’re aptly called, provide 240 volts at 30 amps, enough power to fully recharge a Plug-In Toyota Prius in as little as 90 minutes. The Smart Station which can charge two vehicles at a time, features networking tools that connect drivers to the ChargePoint network via an iPhone or Android app that notifies them when the station is available, allows them to make reservations and receive email or text messages when the vehicle is fully charged.
“Our charging station combined with that app will keep EV and Plug-in drivers connected to our Smart Charge Station or any other in the ChargePoint network ,” said John Dolan, the network administrator for the Smart Charge stations. “We’re very accessible here in Madison, so it’s easy for someone to locate our charging station with the app, use the built-in GPS to get directions to our dealership, drop by and get charged up over a long lunch.”
To meet demanding schedules, Smart Motors maintains two charging stations—the other being a Leviton Evr-Green station near the service entrance that operates as a first come, first serve station. Both stations allow for round-the-clock access, but to use the ChargePoint station with its network integration, users must register at the showroom desk to receive the ChargePass card.
Smart Motors has always prided itself on its green credentials, with 48% percent of its new passenger car sales occurring from hybrid vehicles this year alone, the company is the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer. The company installed the charging stations to further its green credentials, but also help to jumpstart Madison’s electronic station infrastructure.
“As gas prices continually increase, more people will be driven to attractive alternatives like plug-in hybrids and electric cars. By offering this charge station, we’re ensuring Madison has reliable and easily accessible charging stations both today and further down the road,” said Dolan. “At this stage, the goal for us is not merely to explore and understand the technology, but to expand it and in turn, support our guests who choose to go electric. We believe that Smart Charge will provide added value to our guests seeking smart features in an EV/PHEV charging solution.”
About Smart Motors: Founded in 1908, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships and the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer. In Wisconsin, Smart Motors is the No. 1 volume dealer for both Toyota and Scion. Located at 5901 Odana Road, in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service and sales volume. For more information visit www.smarttoyota.com
