Ecotality, a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, has been chosen as the partner for the government of Victoria in a test project for installing and monitoring Blink electric vehicle charging stations.

The Victorian Department of Transport has asked 180 households to volunteer for its Victorian Electric Vehicle Trial. These households will have Ecotality's Blink Level 2 fasting-charging stations installed in their homes. They will also drive electric vehicles for a minimum of three months.

Volunteers for the project will have their chargers monitored by the government and Ecotality for the purposes of monitoring usage habits. The company will also maintain the chargers for the duration of the test.

Unlike most other EVs, which can be plugged into common electrical outlets, Blink can charge an EV's battery faster. The Blink Level 2 can recharge a vehicle battery fully in two to six hours, according to Ecotality.

Victorian Premier John Brumby said, "Our government is committed to making this state an electric vehicle-friendly place and we understand how important cleaner, greener, and innovative travel options are to Victorians. The Electric Vehicle Trial will create real-life conditions by testing how drivers, vehicles, plug-in charging infrastructure and the electricity network will work in everyday situations."

Volunteer application for Victorians is available at the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria web site.