Baldwin Park and Sacramento in California will be the first communities to receive Toyota’s dc fast chargers (DCFC). Guided by its “Empact” vision to address equitable EV charging and mobility for all, high-power 350kW chargers featuring simultaneous charging will be installed at each location. These chargers, owned and operated by EVgo, are targeted to be operational in 2025.
The cities receiving dc fast chargers were chosen using the CalEnviroScreen tool and based on certain criteria such as resident income levels, demographics, air-quality levels, and areas expected to have meaningful EV penetration.
Baldwin Park and Sacramento are examples of areas poised to see rapid EV growth. These two environmental justice communities would benefit from more dc fast-charging stations in strategic locations to serve the local population and support EV drivers.
“Providing mobility for all is our north star as we look to support and facilitate equitable EV charging opportunities for all customers,” said Christopher Yang, group VP of business development at Toyota Motor North America. “We want to help ensure these underserved communities are not overlooked in the EV transition. Providing support for these charging facilities helps provide access to those who may not have easy access to home or public charging options.”
Toyota’s Clean Assist program, launched in 2021, matches residential customer charging with renewable electricity while reducing emissions generated from charging. In California, this generates revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), based on battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) charging at home. That revenue has been re-invested into transportation electrification in the state, including these chargers.
“Expanding access to public charging infrastructure is critical to our mission of accelerating the mass adoption of EVs,” said Dennis Kish, president of EVgo. “We are proud to partner with Toyota to build new fast-charging resources that will support the equitable distribution of charging infrastructure in the Golden State.”
In Sacramento, the new 350-kW dc fast chargers will be installed near the Arden Fair Mall, a known high-traffic area close to the freeway with multiple options for dining, shopping, and other activities.
The Baldwin Park charging station will also be centrally located less than a mile off Interstate 10, with access to amenities including a grocery store on site and many nearby restaurants.
“Investing in public charging not only supports EV drivers: it benefits everyone in our community by encouraging zero emissions travel in an area that has experienced historically poor air quality,” said senator Susan Rubio. “This new fast charging station in Baldwin Park will bring economic and public health benefits that our residents and visitors alike can enjoy.”
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News