SparkCharge has partnered with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Zipcar to deploy its first off-grid, mobile dc fast-charging hub for shared electric vehicles (EVs) in the Northeast.
Installed at Zipcar’s maintenance facility in East Boston, an Environmental Justice (EJ) community,the pilot demonstrates a mobile, rapidly deployable charging model that does not rely on traditional grid upgrades.
Funded through MassCEC’s InnovateMass program, the project supports a rotating fleet of Zipcar EVs by enabling on-site mechanics to recharge vehicles quickly before they are dispatched for use across Greater Boston by members and rideshare drivers.
The mobile battery-powered trailer delivers 320 kW of dc fast charging and integrates with existing onsite power. Its high-capacity batteries recharge between sessions using supplemental facility power without overloading the local grid. By avoiding extensive electrical work or service upgrades, the system provides a fast-installation, no-infrastructure approach to keeping a shared EV fleet operational.
For MassCEC, the project also serves as a demonstration of flexible charging options for communities underserved by public infrastructure. As shared mobility expands, fleet electrification will remain an important component of the Commonwealth’s strategy to meet its long-term emissions goals. The East Boston deployment provides additional charging capability in a high-demand corridor and supports service availability for Zipcar’s members and local rideshare drivers.
The collaboration represents a step forward in mobile charging solutions for fleet operations, highlighting an alternative path to scaling EV availability in locations where permanent installations may face cost, permitting, or grid-capacity constraints.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News