MetLife Unveils Innovative Electric Car Charging Program for Its Employees at 14 U.S. Campuses
MetLife Unveils Innovative Electric Car Charging Program for Its Employees at 14 U.S. Campuses
Company Joins Federal Effort to Increase Use of Electric Cars Helping to Provide a More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Workplace
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MetLife, Inc. (NYS: MET) , an official partner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Workplace Charging Challenge, has installed innovative electric car charging stations at company offices for employees to power up their plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) during the workday.
The Bridgewater, NJ charging stations is one of 32, at 14 MetLife U.S. facilities across 10 states. (Photo: Business Wire)
According to the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA)*, through June of this year cumulative U.S. plug-in vehicle sales have more than tripled to 110,000 cars versus just a year ago. Understanding the need for PEVs and the importance of a sustainable future, MetLife is firmly committed to the national effort to promote alternative transportation. With 32 charging stations, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), at 14 U.S. facilities across 10 states, MetLife currently has the most wide-spread workplace charging program of any non-PEV industry company currently participating in the Workplace Charging Challenge.**
"MetLife has a broad and deep commitment to sustainable business practices," said Joseph Sprouls, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Services for MetLife. "Not only are we putting a stake in the ground through this innovative, green initiative, but we're also encouraging our employees to do the same by giving them the alternative mode of transportation for their commute to work."
The company selected GE to provide the charging stations based on its advanced technology and its strong business relationship with MetLife. The procured GE EVSE units are Level II chargers, which allows for a reduced charge time from 12-18 hours to 4-8 hours. The stations also have vinyl wrapping branded with MetLife logos and Snoopy images on the pedestals.
"GE is proud to collaborate with companies, such as MetLife, that are at the forefront of sustainability initiatives," said Seth Cutler, Lead Product Manager, EV Infrastructure for GE's Industrial Solutions Business. "This cutting-edge technology provides employees a great alternative to their traditional mode of transportation."
MetLife embraces environmentally responsible business practices through energy management policies, investments in renewable energy projects and by integrating environmental sustainability platforms throughout its global enterprise. It also has encouraged its employees to participate in these initiatives with an increasing number of MetLife employees taking advantage of the charging stations for their electric cars.
"I never considered buying an electric car until MetLife offered this unique program," said Sean Asure, MetLife associate. "There are a lot of misconceptions with an electric car, but once I purchased the vehicle and started charging it at work, I immediately realized the benefits of a more cost effective commute."
MetLife installed a total of 32 charging stations in the following 14 sites: Aurora, IL; Bloomfield, CT; Bridgewater, NJ; Dayton, OH; Freeport, IL; Johnstown, PA; Morristown, NJ; Oriskany, NY; Scranton, PA; St. Louis, MO; Tampa, FL; Troy, NY; Tulsa, OK; Warwick, RI.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
*http://www.electricdrive.org/index.php?ht=d/sp/i/20952/pid/20952
**by number of locations
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130729005890/en/
MetLife, Inc.
Chris Montemurro, 212-578-7129
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