In many ways, an electric vehicle is ideal for carpooling and delivery driving. How can I know? I did it. I did it a few years ago in a 2018 Nissan LEAF. Gas can cost up to $1,000 a month for a carpool or a delivery driver who stays busy, even in a hybrid vehicle. But, if you use an electric vehicle, the costs are much cheaper.
However, there is a catch. If you’re busy enough and spending enough time on city and suburban highways, you’ll need a place to recharge. Well, actually, you’ll need a bunch of places to recharge. During slow times a level 2 charger can come in handy, but ideally you’ll want to pick up a few miles from a fast charger as often as possible. And, sadly, even the cities and states with the most extensive charging infrastructure often leave you wishing there were just a few more here and there.
Recent news from EVgo shows us that this situation is on the radar for the state of California, and they are working with companies like EVgo to fill the gaps for these drivers.
In a press release a few days ago, the company announced the opening of a new EVgo public fast-charging station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Marina Square Shopping Center in San Leandro, California. The chargers, which can service up to four vehicles simultaneously with an output of 100 kW or 350 kW each, are located at 1201 Marina Boulevard. Local speakers from private and public organizations were on hand to celebrate the expansion of access to fast chargers in the region.
The EVgo network provides DC fast charging in over 850 public locations for all fast-charging capable EV models on the market. This new Marina Square Mall station is one of two that received a Northern California Charging Access Grant for Reliable On-Demand Transportation (CART) services from the state’s Clean Transportation Program . The CARTS grant money is earmarked for electric vehicle projects that also support things like on-demand transportation charging stations like Uber and Lyft.
“EVgo is committed to Electric For All, and the availability of public fast-charging is essential to making this a reality for all EV drivers, but especially carpool drivers,” said Jonathan Levy, CEO commercial at EVgo. “EVgo appreciates the support of the California Energy Commission in electrifying this critical segment of the market, and this program will help EVgo drivers – including those on the Uber platform – get started and back on the road.”
The new charging station will improve access to public fast-charging electric vehicle infrastructure for the local community, thereby reducing local pollution. The station is located near Oakland International Airport and I-880, a major connector road that is one of the most congested freeways in the Bay Area. The station can charge vehicles up to 80% in 15 to 45 minutes, so drivers can quickly charge while shopping or on the go. Uber drivers who charge on the EVgo network can save up to 45% over EVgo’s standard Pay As You Go fares (which can be quite expensive).
The official EVgo station dedication ceremony at Marina Square Shopping Center featured a roster of local speakers, including Patty Monahan (Commissioner, California Energy Commission), Pauline Cutter (Mayor of San Leandro), Adam Gromis (Head of Public Policy , Sustainability and Environmental Impact at Uber) and Sara Rafalson (Vice President, Market Development and Public Policy at EVgo).
Featured image provided by EVgo.
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