In addition to the two plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations already located at its headquarters, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies will be installing four more as part of the Workplace Charging Challenge Pledge created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The Pledge, which employers can join as Partners, signals a company's commitment to provide PEV charging access for its employees, but Freudenberg-NOK will also make the stations available to the public.

"We're proud to support the development of electric vehicles, and it's something important to many of our employees," said Ted Duclos, president, Freudenberg-NOK. "Partnering with the DOE aligns with our company's and customers' sustainability goals. We produce seals that are designed to reduce friction, which ultimately reduces emissions."

With long-term orientation being one its guiding principles, the Pledge is a natural fit for the company. Freudenberg-NOK has developed a variety of emission-reducing seals, which include its Low-Emission Sealing Solutions (LESS) portfolio of products. In addition, the company developed the Levitex® crankshaft seal, which creates an air cushion that seals the engine compartment with virtually no friction. Levitex can thus reduce the CO2 emissions of vehicles by 0.5 to 1 gram per kilometer.

On the first generation Chevrolet Volt alone, more than 600 of the company's seals are used, including many gaskets for the vehicle's battery case.

"Our company is fully committed to making electric vehicles a more practical option," added Duclos. "By taking these steps, we hope to increase public awareness of the benefits and capabilities of electric vehicles. The technology is here, but there is an opportunity for infrastructure development to expand the use of PEVs."

The additional charging stations, which will now allow for a total of six vehicles to be charged at one time, will be installed next month. As part of the Challenge, the DOE hopes to increase the number of U.S. employers offering workplace charging by tenfold in the next five years.

(Photo Source: Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies)