It really seems that the popularity of electric vehicles across the US is on the rise, since Coulomb Technologies and Aker Wade Power Technologies today announced the availability of their Networked DC Fast Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles (EVs), the ChargePoint CT3000 family being capable of charging the battery of electric vehicles in half an hour and also being designed in accordance with the CHAdeMO standard.

These new Networked DC Fast Charge Stations have been designed and engineered to provide a superior user experience for drivers, offering a host of innovative features including an intuitive touch-screen interface, consumer-friendly cable storage and access to the ChargePoint Network.

The ChargePoint Network provides access to a very interesting set of features, such as the ability for a station owner to set fees for use of their stations (including free charging), the ability for drivers to access stations without a subscription via contactless credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover), as well as the availability of multiple Smart Phone applications (iPhone and Blackberry) to find unoccupied stations and navigate to them.

For station owners, the DC Fast Charger accommodates two connectors, ensuring uninterrupted business in the event of a transition away from today’s connector standard.

The charging stations convert AC 480 Volt, three-phase electric service to the DC CHAdeMO standard and it seems that the station will be qualified for use with several electric vehicle brands including the Nissan LEAF and the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

“This first public showing demonstrates the best of both worlds from Coulomb and Aker Wade,” said Richard Lowenthal, CEO at Coulomb Technologies.

“Aker Wade is known for their industry-leading fast charging technology and Coulomb for the ChargePoint Network.

Together we have collaborated on the industry’s first Networked DC Fast Charging Station”, Mr. Lowenthal concluded.

The CT3000 is now available to order through Aker Wade and Coulomb distribution, with pricing being available upon request based on custom options and specifications and deliveries set to begin in Q1, 2011.