The shortage still exists despite how many electric vehicles charging infrastructures there are today compared to the previous years. Drivers of rideshares and delivery services constantly experience “range anxiety” and worry about not finding a charging station.
Finally, the State of California is currently attempting to close the gap in charging infrastructures by collaborating with companies like EVgo, as reported by CleanTechnica.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially launch a new public fast charging station, per a press release from EVgo. The event took place in San Leandro, California’s Marina Square Shopping Center.
“EVgo is committed to Electric For All, and the availability of public fast charging is key to making that a reality for all EV drivers, but especially rideshare drivers,” said Jonathan Levy, Chief Commercial Officer at EVgo.
EVgo’s new public fast charging station
The EVgo network can provide a power of either 100kW or 350kW to four EVs at once. Remarkably, EVs can receive an 80% charge at the station in just 15 to 45 minutes.
When charging over the EVgo network, Uber drivers can save up to 45% off of EVgo’s regular Pay As You Go pricing.
All fast-charge compatible EV models may get DC fast charging at over 850 public places through the EVgo network. As for the location, they are erected at 1201 Marina Boulevard near the I-880 and the Oakland International Airport.
The following local speakers attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Marina Square Shopping Center EVgo station:
- Patty Monahan (Commissioner, California Energy Commission)
- Pauline Cutter (Mayor of San Leandro)
- Adam Gromis (Public Policy Manager, Sustainability & Environmental Impact at Uber)
- Sara Rafalson (Vice President, Market Development and Public Policy at EVgo)
This successful project is expected to improve the community’s access to public EV fast-charging infrastructures. Specifically, it aims to bridge the gap between charging infrastructures and drivers, especially those in the ridesharing services.
Funding
The Northern California Charging Access for Reliable On-Demand Transportation Services (CARTs) under the state’s Clean Transportation Program granted funding to build this new Marina Square Shopping Center station.
It is worth noting that the grant funding from CARTS is used for EV initiatives, including charging stations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
“EVgo appreciates the support of the California Energy Commission to electrify this critical segment of the market, and this program will help EVgo drivers — including those on the Uber platform — to power up and get back on the road,” Levy stated.
