California-based electric vehicle charging firm WattEV recently proposed plans to build the largest charging station for e-cars and e-trucks. It reportedly aims to complete the development by late 2025 near Sacramento International Airport.
Funding
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) announced Wednesday that WattEV successfully obtained $40 million to launch the charging infrastructure construction across the “electric highway” from Northern California to Oregon.
The company expects this major project to cost $62 million, as reported by FOX40. Of that total, California Transportation Commission will provide the company with $34 million in funding. In addition, a 45% equivalent with Sacramento County will offer another $28 million for the project.
Development plans
WattEV intends to offer a total of 120 electric vehicle chargers on its planned facility along Interstate 5, including the following:
- 30 DC fast chargers for passenger vehicles
- 90 high-power CCS-1 cords for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles
It also plans to provide 18-megawatt cords for heavy-duty trucks through the upcoming Megawatt Charging Standard.
In addition, WattEV aims to build a solar panel array to generate 15.6 MW to power the enormous facility. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District will provide the other 7.2 MW to efficiently support the energy consumption at the new charging facility.
WattEV CEO Salim Youssefzadeh stated that the company selected the site in Sacramento due to its proximity to the Metro Air Park Logistics Center, which will soon have over 10 million sq. ft. of warehouse space. He further noted that the region already has a huge distribution center concentration.
Sacramento County Department of Airports Director Cindy Nichol stated that the project will significantly boost the US trucking industry’s electrification efforts.
“Sacramento International Airport’s proximity to one of largest goods distribution centers in the state makes this an ideal location to serve California’s electric highway.”
Cindy Nichol, Sacramento County Department of Airports Director
See Also:
- Uber Freight partners with WattEV and CHEP for an e-truck pilot program
- EVgo and GM deploy 1,000th DC fast charging stall as they aim to expand public charging infrastructures
- Nearly 50% of US car buyers intend to buy an EV, but concerns over charging infrastructures remain
- California Public Utilities Commission implements new decisions for EV charging infrastructure
- Explaining EV transition and charging infrastructure
WattEV aims to launch the project development in June 2024, while the completion is expected in December 2025. This impending enormous EV charging station in a very strategic location will undoubtedly benefit Sacramento Country in numerous aspects, including job creation and EV technology promotion. It will urge more customers to shift to EVs without worrying about the lack of EV chargers in the area.
