Charging stations that will have your electric vehicle up and running in 30 minutes or less will soon be around in the future. Developed and designed by Coulomb Technologies and Aker Wade Power Technologies, these charging stations will be similar to gas pump type charging stations. Known as the Level 3 charging stations, the charging stations will be powered by dedicated 480-volt, 125-amp circuits and will be available for purchase mid year for $40,000 with an additional $20,000 for installation. However, companies like Ford are skeptical about the use of rapid charging stations since it can have an adverse effect on safety, durability, battery life and reliability. A 240 volt source to charge an electric car takes about four to eight hours, but is more reliable than these rapid chargers.
However, according to Bret Aker, CEO of Aker Wade Power Technologies, developments in lithium ion technology will enable cars to be charged in fifteen minute, rendering gasoline useless.