Summary
- Toyota and EVgo have opened new DC fast-charging stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California
- These charging stations are part of Toyota’s Empact plan to make electric vehicles more accessible to underserved communities
- The stations are located in "amenity-rich areas" and can serve up to eight vehicles each with 350-kw chargers
- Toyota has plans to implement solid-state batteries for fast charging, with the goal of charging from 10%-80% in 10 minutes or less
- Toyota is also funding the Ionna network with seven other automakers to establish 30,000 charging connectors across North America by 2030
Article
Toyota and EVgo have teamed up to open new DC fast-charging stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, catering to underserved communities. These stations are part of Toyota’s Empact plan aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to areas that have been overlooked in previous infrastructure projects. Situated in “amenity-rich areas” with nearby shopping and dining options, each station can serve up to eight vehicles and features 350-kw chargers, well beyond the peak power of the current Toyota bZ4X model.
EVgo, a company that has previously partnered with General Motors to focus on urban EV ownership, has collaborated with Toyota on these fast-charging stations. It remains unclear if California state funding, designed to support charger installations in underserved communities, has been utilized in these projects. Despite attempts by the Trump Administration to freeze federal funds, the state continues to push ahead with charger buildout to support the growing EV market.
Toyota has ambitious plans for fast charging using solid-state batteries, with projections suggesting that these batteries could charge from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes or less. This capability would likely take advantage of the higher peak power offered by 350-kw chargers. These batteries are expected to be commercialized later in the decade, albeit initially in limited volumes. Toyota is also involved in funding the Ionna network along with seven other automakers, which aims to have 30,000 charging connectors across North America by 2030.
The new fast-charging stations by Toyota and EVgo are strategically located in areas with amenities that cater to residents’ daily needs, such as grocery stores and shopping malls. These stations are equipped with high-power chargers that can accommodate various EV models that can leverage such charging speeds. By focusing on underserved communities, Toyota’s Empact plan aims to address the challenge of limited off-street parking and multi-family dwellings in urban areas, making electric vehicle ownership more feasible for a wider range of consumers.
With the rapid expansion of EV infrastructure, Toyota is positioning itself as a key player in the shift towards cleaner transportation. By investing in solid-state battery technology and partnering with other automakers on charging networks, Toyota is actively working towards a future where electric vehicles are more accessible and convenient for all. The collaboration between Toyota and EVgo on these new fast-charging stations is a significant step towards achieving this goal, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability in the transition to electric mobility.
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