Atom Power has launched PURPL, an EV charging solution that charges vehicles directly from the circuit breaker and incorporates unique energy management technology to keep electricity costs low. These capabilities provide utilities, cities, property and fleet owners with a dual solution to increase access to EV charging and upgrade electrical infrastructure needed to meet transportation electrification goals.
Utilities in states like California and New York have “charge ready” and “make ready” programs to increase electric vehicle adoption by offering rebates to property owners to reduce the costs of adding EV charging infrastructure at their buildings. Because PURPL charges EVs directly from the circuit breaker, not from electronics in the charging pedestal at the vehicle, PURPL is an infrastructure solution that can support the goals of these “make ready” utility programs beyond traditional infrastructure equipment, the company says. The trend to mainstream transportation electrification extends to cities as well. Major cities like Atlanta and Seattle have passed “make ready” policies that require EV infrastructure (i.e. circuit breakers, electrical panels and chargers) to be planned for at the time of new construction.
PURPL also addresses common pain points related to large-scale EV charging installations for fleet owners and at multi-family buildings. When multiple chargers are used at these locations, it increases electricity demand. If the demand exceeds the historic “peak demand,” electricity costs increase dramatically. If not managed properly with a capable infrastructure-based EV charging system, it can mean the difference between charging one EV for $18/month or $476/month. Atom Power’s Energy Management system can sense demand changes within seconds vs 15 min. gaps for traditional charging solutions, the company says.
Additionally, because PURPL charges EVs directly from the breaker, the charging station itself does not contain expensive electronics; it’s simply a metal tube or wall box with a charge plug and cable. If a charging pedestal becomes damaged, the cost to replace it is $400-500 dollars instead of thousands of dollars, Atom Power says.
Prior to the official launch, Atom Power secured the largest single-contract multi-family electric vehicle charging project in New York City. The contract was originally for 355 EV chargers and has since increased to more than 500 chargers.
One multi-family building in Queens, New York City is installing 90 PURPL charging solutions. Adding EV charging will increase the building’s electricity demand, and when a building’s demand exceeds the historic “peak demand,” the cost of electricity increases dramatically. Because people tend to start charging their vehicles after work between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Atom Power’s modeling shows the electricity needed to charge 20 EVs will, in fact, exceed “peak demand” for significant periods of time throughout a given month. However, PURPL’s energy management technology keeps additional costs to the overall utility bill low by maintaining electricity demand from EV charging below the building’s “peak demand.” Charging these 20 EV’s will result in only an additional $989 charge on the building’s monthly utility bill versus potentially $10,148 without energy management integrated into EV charging infrastructure.
Originally developed and marketed for power distribution and management in commercial and industrial facilities, Atom Power announced expansion into the residential and electric vehicle charging markets in July 2021. Atom Power’s technology has been recognized by and invested in by well-known technology and startup funders, including Next47, ABB, Eaton Corporation, Rockwell and Valor Equity Partners.
