Wednesday, October 13, 2010

BP (NYSE:BP) Installing High-Voltage Chargers for Electric Cars

In a move that may give more confidence to the few drivers of electric cars there are, BP (NYSE:BP) said they're going to install 45 high-voltage chargers at its stations in the San Diego County area.

Most drivers of electric cars have fears of running out power without having a gas tank. The idea in the industry is to reduce the anxiety by having places to charge everywhere.

Best Buy reportedly will also have chargers in their stores in the area, although these will be lower-voltage chargers, which give drivers a 220-volt charge for their cars, the equivalent of 12 to 15 miles an hour worth of power.

The chargers installed by BP will provide 440 volts of charge, which gives a car the ability to travel 12 to 15 miles ever five minutes or so, making it possible to travel further distances.

Even so, it does show the reason why electric cars aren't very popular, and why they're more of a media darling than of practical use.

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