Summary
- Electrify America opened its 1000th charging station at the Fashion Valley Charging Station
- The station has 20 "Hyper-Fast" up to 350 kW stalls and is located in a mall in San Diego
- The company has been building up to this milestone to provide convenient EV charging
- The Dieselgate settlement led to the construction of many charging stations, making EV trips easier
- Both Electrify America and Tesla are expanding to serve larger crowds and increase competition
Article
Electrify America recently opened its 1000th charging station, located in the Fashion Valley mall. The mall setting provides convenient access to amenities for EV drivers in need of a deep charge, with 20 Hyper-Fast up to 350 kW stalls available. The partnership with Simon Property Group ensures security and ease of access for customers, making it a valuable addition to the EV charging infrastructure.
The milestone of reaching 1000 charging stations reflects the rapid growth of Electrify America’s network, covering 47 states, the District of Columbia, and seven Canadian provinces. The company has made significant progress in expanding access to reliable charging options outside of Tesla’s network. This progress is evident in the improved EV charging infrastructure along highways and in cities, making long-distance travel more feasible for non-Tesla EV drivers.
A personal recount of a 2019 road trip in a Nissan LEAF highlights the challenges faced by non-Tesla EV drivers due to the limited availability of CCS and CHAdeMO charging stations. The journey through New Mexico and Arizona involved navigating scarce charging options, including overnight stays at RV parks and reliance on Level 2 chargers. The experience underscores the importance of expanding the EV charging network to provide more accessible and reliable charging solutions for drivers.
The evolution of Electrify America’s charging network from small stations to larger-scale facilities reflects a shift towards serving larger crowds and high-traffic areas. As EV adoption continues to grow, the demand for fast and reliable charging infrastructure also increases. Companies like Electrify America are transitioning from opening up new territories to addressing the needs of a broader customer base, leading to the development of larger charging stations akin to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The expansion of Electrify America’s network has been facilitated by the Dieselgate settlement, which allocated funds for the construction of charging stations across the U.S. This investment has significantly improved the accessibility of fast charging options for EV drivers, making long-distance travel more convenient and feasible. The competition in the EV charging market is intensifying, with both Tesla and non-Tesla networks vying to provide comprehensive charging solutions for drivers.
Overall, the progress made by Electrify America in establishing a reliable and expansive charging network reflects the greater shift towards electrification in the transportation sector. The company’s commitment to expanding access to convenient EV charging options has played a crucial role in increasing confidence in electric vehicles as a viable mode of personal transportation. As EV infrastructure continues to grow, drivers can expect more seamless and convenient charging experiences, paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
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