Control Module Inc. EVSE Charging Stations Meet or Exceed Expert Recommendations for Persons with Disabilities
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Enfield, CT (June 27, 2012) –
The EVSE Curbside Marquee charger (shown above), and other EVSE chargers, feature an automatic retractable cable management system that lowers the charging cable to an ADA-compliant height.
Enfield, Connecticut-based Control Module Inc.'s (CMI) EVSE division today announced the Company's electric vehicle (EV) chargers with automatic retractable cable management meet expert recommendations for persons with disabilities, according to a recently published report by Sustainable Transportation Strategies. The report Electric Vehicle Charging for Persons with Disabilities, published in February, is authored by David W. Mayfield, a recognized expert in the field of EV charging and accessibility, and details how EV charging can be made compliant with published ADA standards for parking accessibility.
The CMI EVSE design eliminates obstacles for the general public, including those with physical challenges. EVSE chargers feature technology that automatically lowers the charging cable from an overhead storage compartment directly to an ADA-compliant height for easy reach and access. The cable automatically retracts when the connector is removed from the vehicle. This technology eliminates tripping and accessibility issues commonly associated with coiled cables, the transport of cables back and forth from the charging station, and the accessibility challenges created by curbs, poles and bollards often found with other EV charging stations.
Currently there are no government/ADA standards specifically addressing EV charging for persons with disabilities; however EVSE's chargers are designed to be in compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which emphasizes the need for unobstructed paths of travel, and provides acceptable access heights for dispensers, including specifics for fuel dispensers. In addition, some states have set standards, and businesses and municipalities considering the installation of EV charging stations must still meet ADA design standards when planning a new development.
According to the Electric Vehicle Charging for Persons with Disabilities report:
Numerous existing installations have no access aisles to reach the charging equipment. Space for wheelchair movements next to the vehicle must account for closing car doors, turning to approach the EV charging station, and plugging in the connector. Manufacturers have not standardized where on the car the charging inlet is located, so charging station site designers should consider that a person using a wheelchair may need access to charging equipment from the front or either side of the vehicle.
The report further states:
EV charging station installations evaluated for this report utilized curbs, wheel stops and/or bollards to protect the charging equipment from being hit by vehicles. However, successful access needs a way for a wheelchair to approach the charging equipment.
"The EVSE overhead charging station lowers the cable from its overhead compartment down to an ADA-compliant height, effectively eliminating tripping hazards from coiled cables," explains Mayfield.
"When designing our chargers, we wanted to ensure they would work effectively in every conceivable situation - and for every conceivable user," stated James S. Bianco, CEO of Control Module, Inc. "EVSE has designed its chargers with ADA compliance in mind, therefore even though guidelines have not been published specifically for EV charging, using these stations can help ensure compliance with future guidelines that may come into play."
"While electric vehicle adoption is still somewhat new in the United States and there is no set standard for persons with disabilities, we believe our chargers are most effective for meeting the needs of any user, by delivering the cord directly to the vehicle, while eliminating the potential hazards associated with loose cords, bumpers and barriers," Bianco continued.
“Finally, the user does not have to reach down to the floor to pick up a cable that has been left on the ground, or dig through ice or snow,” continued Bianco. “As EV charging stations become more numerous, the magnitude of cables on the ground could pose a significant public safety hazard, which has not been addressed to date by other EV charger companies. EVSE LLC is addressing it directly."
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About Control Module Inc.
Founded in 1969, and headquartered in Enfield, Connecticut, Control Module Inc. has developed innovative products that are used worldwide for automated data collection and workforce management, fleet management, vehicle electrification, and electric vehicle supply. Along with its founder, the Company holds more than 100 patents, and is a recognized industry leader and innovator. CMI EVSE’s introduction of unique, patented overhead cable management and flexible charger activation methods ensure enhanced safety as well as and adaptability in diverse operating environments. Products include: Curbside Pedestal, Marquee, Overhead, Wall Mount, and Industrial charging solutions; the industry’s only portable level 2 charger the Valet; inspection and testing safety devices for electricians and installers; power sharing devices and payment and communication solutions. The Company developed the first portable time and attendance terminal, the first terminal using barcode technology, the first terminal using secure media technology, the first biometrics terminal and the first Java-programmable data terminal. Control Module also pioneered the development of products now considered industry standards in the fields of time and data management and biometrics. CMI is a member of the National Parking Association, International Parking Institute, Green Parking Council, US Clean Cities Coalition and the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE). Additional information is available at www.controlmod.com/evse.