BriarPatch Food Co-op and Skycharger Unveil Updated EV Charging Hub in Grass Valley

A New Era of EV Charging in Grass Valley

In a significant move to support the increasing number of electric vehicle drivers, BriarPatch Food Co-op, in partnership with Skycharger, has completed the expansion of their electric vehicle (EV) charging hub located in Grass Valley, California. The newly expanded facility now offers an impressive ten fast-charging ports, up from the previous two, utilizing the advanced Kempower technology that provides charging speeds of up to 320 kW. This initiative is a major leap towards promoting clean and sustainable transportation in Nevada County.

The updated charging infrastructure is a response to the growing demand for faster and more efficient charging solutions in the region. With the new setup, EV drivers can benefit from charging speeds that allow many vehicles to reach an 80% charge in about 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle type and battery capacity. The site is equipped with a blend of charging standards, featuring six CCS1 ports and two NACS ports, ensuring that a wide range of electric vehicles can utilize the service.

Sasha Scott, the Sustainability Coordinator at BriarPatch Food Co-op, expressed enthusiasm about this expansion. “For years, BriarPatch has been committed to sustainability, and expanding EV charging infrastructure at our store is another way we are supporting a cleaner future for our community,” she stated. She emphasized that the collaboration with Skycharger reinforces the store's commitment to environmental stewardship, making charging more reliable for local drivers and travelers alike.

The project, funded entirely by Skycharger and supported by a grant from the California Energy Commission, showcases the company’s mission to enhance the accessibility of public charging stations. “We are thrilled to partner with BriarPatch to improve EV charging access in Nevada County,” said Johannes Copeland, COO of Skycharger. “By increasing charging speed and availability, we are not just bettering the infrastructure but also playing a key role in moving towards electric mobility.”

In addition to high-speed charging, the new hub integrates with existing EV charging networks through roaming, giving drivers a seamless experience. Users can pay for charging through various methods, including tap-to-pay credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay, or the Monta App, simplifying payments and enhancing user convenience.

The construction of the hub was carried out by the CBR Group, known for their expertise in commercial and infrastructure projects. Copeland praised their partnership, highlighting their flexibility in adapting to evolving project requirements, which ensured the timely completion of the expansion. Meanwhile, Kempower’s dynamic fast-charging technology ensures that the hub can support multiple vehicles simultaneously, with all eight new ports capable of operating at a combined output of 150 kW, and peaking at 320 kW when fewer vehicles are connected.

“Ensuring that drivers in Grass Valley have access to high-quality charging experiences aligns perfectly with our goals at Kempower,” noted Monil Malhotra, President of Kempower North America. The charging stations are now fully operational, making them an essential addition to the area’s EV ecosystem.

To celebrate the milestone, a ribbon-cutting event will be held on Wednesday, October 1, at 10 AM at the Grass Valley location of BriarPatch. The public is invited to join the celebration, which underscores a collective commitment toward a sustainable future. The new charging stations are located in the southwest area of the parking lot at 290 Sierra College Drive, Grass Valley, CA.

As a staple in the local community since 1976, BriarPatch Food Co-op is dedicated to providing high-quality, local food while cultivating a sustainable environment. Meanwhile, Skycharger is expanding its network across several states, enhancing accessibility to EV charging solutions for a variety of vehicle types.

This project signifies a pivotal moment for the residents of Grass Valley, making it easier than ever to transition to electric vehicles while supporting the community's sustainability goals. As more drivers opt for electric cars, such initiatives are necessary to build a robust and efficient charging infrastructure for the future.