Bridgestone and Blink IQ to deploy EV charging stations at tire and vehicle service centers
Miami Beach, FL – Blink Charging Co. announced a cooperation with Bridgestone Retail Operations (“BSRO”), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, to deploy 50 Blink IQ 200 charging stations at 25 Firestone Complete Auto Care and Wheel Works tire and automotive service centers. These deployments are the first Blink chargers at Bridgestone service centers and are part of the company’s broader initiative to address the needs of electric vehicle consumers.
“Demand for EVs is expected to continue to rise exponentially. More EVs on the streets brings a need for EV car services in addition to increased demand for convenient charging stations for EVs to fuel up,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder, and CEO of Blink Charging. “This collaboration combines our industry-leading charging technology with the trusted Bridgestone brand, providing drivers with reliable EV charging at trusted automotive locations. Collaborations with mainstream consumer brands, such as Bridgestone, play an important role in the pursuit of widespread EV adoption in the U.S.”
Each of the 25 locations will deploy a dual-port Blink IQ 200 fast level 2 charging station. Pilot locations will be in central markets with a significant or growing electric vehicle footprint, including Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. BSRO operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations.
“As a leader in the industry, Blink delivers innovative technology solutions for our site hosts and offer the most flexible and personalized business models in the industry,” stated Farkas.
The Blink IQ 200 chargers are the fastest Level 2 AC charging stations available, producing 80 Amps of output, delivering 19.2kW to EVs, and reducing charge times for new EVs that are coming to market. The IQ 200 also enables maximum flexibility and customer control through multiple deployment configurations, including wall mount, pole mount, and pedestal mount options.