Summary
- Costco installed its first pair of Costco-branded EV DC fast chargers at a new warehouse store in Ridgefield, Washington
- The chargers, made by Seattle-based Electric Era, can each power two EVs at the same time and feature built-in batteries
- The Costco-branded chargers can dispense up to 200 kilowatts and have built-in battery storage for lower electricity rates and grid downtime
- Costco plans to explore future locations for EV fast chargers with ongoing discussions with Electric Era
- In its 2023 climate action plan, Costco aims to install fast chargers at 20 locations, as part of its efforts to enter the electric vehicle market.
Article
Costco Ventures into the EV Charging Game
Costco, the well-known wholesaler and retailer, has recently made a move into the electric vehicle charging industry by installing its first pair of Costco-branded DC fast chargers at a new warehouse store in Ridgefield, Washington. These chargers, made by Seattle-based startup Electric Era, are capable of powering two EVs simultaneously and boast impressive features such as built-in batteries and a 32-inch display for customer information.
Fast Deployment and Impressive Capabilities
Electric Era, the manufacturer of the Costco-branded EV DC fast chargers, was able to complete the installation of the stations in just seven weeks from the signing of the contract to turning on the lights. This quick deployment is praised as being even faster than Tesla’s typical Supercharger station installations. The charging stalls can dispense up to 200 kilowatts of power and have built-in battery storage to take advantage of lower electricity rates and ensure operation even during grid outages.
Costco’s Future Plans for EV Charging
While Costco is not yet fully immersed in the world of EV fast charging, the installation of these first Costco-branded chargers in Washington signals a potential shift in the retailer’s approach to accommodating electric vehicle owners. Electric Era has indicated that ongoing discussions with Costco are in place to explore future locations for similar installations. Costco’s climate action plan for 2023 includes plans to install fast chargers at 20 locations, but specific details regarding timing and locations have not yet been disclosed.
Costco’s History in EV Charging
Although the installation of Level 2 chargers at Costco’s California stores in the late 1990s marked the company’s first foray into electric vehicle charging, the growing EV market today presents new opportunities for destination charging. While traditional charging methods like those at Costco may not align with the typical timeframe of a weekly shopping trip, the convenience of overnight charging at home has become increasingly popular among EV owners.
Comparing Costco’s Offerings to Other Fast Charging Stations
In addition to the Costco-branded DC fast chargers in Ridgefield, Costco also piloted a DC fast charging station in Denver last year in partnership with Electrify America. This site features six 350-kW stalls with a total of 12 plugs, showcasing Costco’s commitment to exploring new opportunities in the EV charging space. With the success of these initial installations, Costco may continue to expand its presence in the EV charging market in the future.
The Future of EV Charging at Costco
As electric vehicles become more prevalent on the roads, the demand for accessible and efficient charging solutions continues to grow. With Costco’s recent investments in EV charging infrastructure and plans for future installations, the company is positioned to play a significant role in supporting the transition to electric transportation. By partnering with innovative startups like Electric Era and established charging networks like Electrify America, Costco is poised to become a key player in the evolution of EV charging technology.
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