Leviton Launches Next Generation Electric Vehicle Charging Station

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton today announced the launch of its Level 2 (240V, 40A) charging station. Designed, tested and assembled in the United States, the next generation Leviton charging station is able to provide 9.6 kW output, and will charge the Toyota RAV4 EV in approximately six hours. It also includes a 25-foot charging cable which offers flexibility in the mounting location.

The weatherproof, thermoplastic NEMA Type 4 enclosure makes the device safe for use in both indoor and outdoor locations. The unit comes standard with Leviton's patent pending "cord-connected" system, which is ideal for indoor applications, with the capability to be converted to hard-wire for outdoor applications.

"Leviton has designed a next generation charging station that provides unique ergonomics and aesthetics at a leading price point for Toyota consumers," said Michael Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton's Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. "Through our relationship with Toyota, customers know the products they purchase are designed by two companies that value safety, quality and efficiency."

The 40A charging station includes an industry-leading ten-year limited product warranty when installed by Leviton's s highly trained EVSE-certified electrical contractors. As an added customer safety feature, Leviton designed its charging station with supervisory, contactor and ground monitoring circuits, as well as built-in communication to verify proper connection before charging can commence. The device's "Auto-Restart" feature enables charging to restart following a minor fault, thereby reducing the chance of being stranded with an undercharged battery.

"Toyota has a long-standing commitment to connecting our customers with high-quality products and services such as those provided by Leviton," said Rick LoFaso, Toyota corporate manager, car marketing. "The new 40 amp home charging station is yet another example of how Toyota's relationship with Leviton helps our electric vehicle customers access solutions that work best for their needs."  

The Leviton Level 2, 40A charging station will be unveiled for the first time at EVS26 (The 26th World Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition), being held in Los Angeles, May 6-9. The charging station will be available for purchase through Leviton's customer website for Toyota owners (www.Leviton.com/Toyota) later this year.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice for the global electrical industry, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today's residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/user/Levitonmfg.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

PR Contact:
Eileen McGlone, Commercial and Industrial Marketing Director
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SOURCE Leviton