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GE Wattstation

Lead Designers
Prize(s)Gold in Sustainable Living/environmental Preservation / Alternative Energy Source Equipment
Project LinkView
Entry Description


The GE WattStation is an electric vehicle charging station that is designed for public and private spaces. The design is as durable as street furniture, as visible as a light beacon, and as beautiful as street greenery.

The WattStation was designed to break all paradigms of the conventional large scale, angular and brash “gas pump". A new, soft and distinctively friendly icon is expressed through a cylindrical body that flares toward the top, becoming the circular interface. This design is also considerate of foot traffic, careful to keep everything compact and rounded.

The UI screen faces the user at a “service angle” for optimized ergonomic comfort, and its circular lens houses a useful and informational graphic interface, showing the percent charged and the remaining time. The LED light ring clearly and quickly indicates to the driver whether the WattStation is available (white), fully charged (green), charging (red), or out of order (yellow).

The GE Wattstation was designed in detail, including consideration of materials and storage needs. These included creating a place for the charging plug and cable in order to protect, preserve the lifespan and contribute to the user’s experience. As no one wants to spend time untangling or pulling the cord like a garden hose, the cord is retractable and thus perfect for a quick on the go charge. Additionally, through the use of a cast aluminum body and a Lexan Screen, the materials and design are considerate of weather conditions and durability.

Electric vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation. However, in order to see the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the electrical grid must be modernized and charging stations must be accessible, quick and easy. The WattStation combines functionality with a consumer friendly form that works to become an integral part of this evolving technology.

The WattStation comes imbedded with GE's Smart Grid technology, which enables the station to charge an electric vehicle in 4-8 hours, compared to the typical 12-18. By communicating wirelessly with digital platforms and mobile devices, users will be able to remotely locate, operate and monitor the unit. This technology also allows utility companies to manage the impact of electric vehicles on the local and regional grids. Thus, while it is an innovative product that has the potential to revolutionize the electrical gird, it also works within the established infrastructure, allowing for a smooth transition into widespread implementation.

Design, technology and innovation converge in the GE Wattstation to make a product that is equally beautiful, smart and environmentally responsible, and that has the power to revolutionize the automobile industry in our world. GE Wattstation is a 360-degree product experience with advance charging technologies, wireless connectivity and intuitive touch interface in a durable and ergonomically design package.