SkyCharger Secures $10 Million Grant for Electric Truck Stops in Southern California

SkyCharger Secures Major Funding to Develop Electric Truck Stops

SkyCharger, a prominent leader in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, recently received a significant boost from the California Energy Commission (CEC) in the form of a $10 million grant. This funding will be instrumental in the design, creation, and operation of two public electric truck stops located along the I-5 corridor in Southern California. This project not only aligns with California's agenda to promote sustainable transportation but also aims to enhance the infrastructure necessary for electric trucks.

The grant will support the installation of 32 high-capacity fast charging stations at two strategic locations: Kettleman City and Lebec. Each charging station will possess the capability to charge up to 64 heavy-duty trucks simultaneously, delivering power at rates of no less than 200 kilowatts. Additionally, the project will integrate renewable energy resources, featuring a robust setup that includes 5.1 megawatts of solar energy coupled with an energy storage system boasting 8 megawatt-hours capacity. This combination will enhance the sustainability and reliability of operations at these facilities.

Andy Karetsky, President of SkyCharger, expressed gratitude towards the California Energy Commission for their continuous support of electrification, especially in the heavy-duty trucking sector. Karetsky emphasized the numerous benefits of electric trucks, including improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and lower operating costs, highlighting an optimistic future for electric transportation.

The Kettleman City and Lebec sites are particularly advantageous due to their significant daily truck traffic, with upwards of 14,000 trucks passing through Kettleman City and over 23,000 trucks at Lebec daily. These figures reflect some of the highest truck traffic volumes on the I-5 corridor, making this initiative crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of the trucking industry while promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

This recent grant follows a previous CEC award that allowed SkyCharger to develop an electric truck charging hub at the Port of San Diego. The hub will feature a 70-port electric truck charging facility combined with a solar power array and an energy storage system, as well as a community-oriented program designed to benefit the public.

SkyCharger’s ongoing commitment not only includes facilitating the electrification of truck fleets but also generating job opportunities within the local communities. The project is anticipated to create over 90 well-paying jobs under Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These agreements ensure fair labor practices and prioritize local hiring to support the construction and operational phases of the charging hubs.

Furthermore, SkyCharger intends to establish a community fund that will contribute $100,000 annually towards scholarship and community benefit programs, ensuring that the economic benefits of the project extend beyond direct employment by contributing to local educational resources and community welfare.

This strategic development project is expected to substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with an estimated decrease of over a million metric tons throughout its lifespan. The elimination of tailpipe emissions from diesel vehicles transitioning to electric alternatives will significantly improve air quality, especially in disadvantaged and low-income areas served by the Kettleman City and Lebec charging stations.

SkyCharger, a subsidiary of Skyview Ventures, has been a cornerstone in fostering EV infrastructure since its inception in 2013, operating a growing network of charging stations across seven states. The company is committed to not just increasing charging accessibility but also ensuring that the transition to electric transportation is economical and beneficial for all stakeholders.

For more information about SkyCharger and its initiatives, please visit skycharger.com.