Meijer Stores Allow Customers to Charge EVs at No Cost

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Detroit and Grand Rapids-Area Meijer Stores First To Receive New Technology That Allows Customer to Charge Electric Vehicles at No Cost

Press Release Source: Meijer On Thursday November 4, 2010, 9:12 am EDT
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter chain, has announced plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at several of its Michigan stores, the announcement was made today by Julie Croll, senior vice president of properties and real estate for the retailer.

"This is a very exciting step for Meijer as we continue to look for ways to expand our sustainability initiatives," said Croll. "The key to our success through the years has been innovation, and we look at sustainability the same way. Whether we are providing our customers with re-usable bags, placing rooftop wind turbines on stores or offering charging stations for the electric vehicles, we are committed to searching for innovative ways to be green."

The first charging station was unveiled today at the Meijer store in Warren, Michigan, and will be followed by stores in Allen Park and Holland, Michigan. Each store will receive two charging stations which can be used by Meijer customers at no cost.

The plug-in charging stations are manufactured by Coulomb Technologies, based in Campbell, CA. Providing 120V and 240V options, these chargers represent the most current vehicle charging technology and meet the SAE J1772 standard adopted by automakers.

Meijer is obtaining the charging stations through Roseville, Mich.-based Shocking Solutions, a leader in plug-in vehicle infrastructure solutions and consulting. Shocking Solutions is the Midwest's exclusive distribution partner for Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations. Installation of the units is being handled by Waterford, Mich.-based ChargeNow.

The purchase and installation of these units represents an investment of nearly $100,000 by Meijer. In 2011, Meijer plans to expand this initiative by installing additional charging stations in 10-20 more stores throughout the Midwest.

"Meijer's commitment to this project is a great example of their innovative practices and corporate responsibility," said John Auld, C.E.O. of Shocking Solutions. "Our Michigan-based automotive manufacturers as well as the global automotive community have made a tremendous investment into plug-in vehicles. This project not only provides Meijer customers with a location to charge their electric vehicles, it also provides validation and support for the auto industry's efforts."

About Meijer

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 195 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As the inventor of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at http://www.meijer.com.
 
That is really cool. :D Hopefully more companies will consider this too.

I have to wonder though what their ROI on this is though. I'm assuming they'll start charging later. Maybe not until electric vehicles are much more common or their competitors start having similar deals, or something, but I can't imagine they'd keep giving it away forever. Though maybe they'll get enough additional customers because of them to make up for the loss, idk. Do you know how many chargers they have for that $100,000 investment?
 
When I plug into a restaurant patio, it's the same power they're using for strings of outdoor lights to make their establishment look more attractive to prospective patrons. So I am attracted by their electricity and not their twinkling lights but the cost to the restauranteur is the same.
:D
LocK
 
x88x said:
I have to wonder though what their ROI on this is though. I'm assuming they'll start charging later. Maybe not until electric vehicles are much more common or their competitors start having similar deals, or something, but I can't imagine they'd keep giving it away forever. Though maybe they'll get enough additional customers because of them to make up for the loss, idk. Do you know how many chargers they have for that $100,000 investment?
As a co-venture PR effort, I don't see a direct ROI. It is likely that the system and businesses will be publicized through news stories/videos.

That said; if there are people with enough $$$ to buy EVs, I would want them to spend $$$ at my store. They will be a target demographic.

I suppose many groceries also offer fuel to snare the folks regularly shopping at "convenience stores"... the fuel makes little profit after the cost of installation, but the sales in the store eventually cover the cost.
 
grindz145 said:
I think I need a SAE J1772 standard plug on my ebike...
I'm sure they'll show up on mouser/digikey/mcmaster/etc eventually. :D
 
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