#USA #Electrify America #Santa Barbara #EV Charging #Hyper-Fast Charger

Electrify America Boosts EV Infrastructure in Santa Barbara

Electrify America has unveiled a new large-format electric vehicle (EV) charging station located at 36 West Carrillo Street in Santa Barbara, California. This strategic addition aims to enhance the convenience and accessibility of fast charging in the downtown area, addressing the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

A State-of-the-Art Charging Experience

The new charging station is equipped with 20 Hyper-Fast chargers, each capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts (kW) of power. This means that electric vehicles compatible with this level of charging can gain approximately 20 miles of driving range for each minute of charging. The high-speed charging capabilities of this station mark a significant advancement in making EV charging a quick and efficient process for drivers.

In addition to the charging stations, the facility features an advanced 1.9 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS). This setup represents Electrify America's largest public deployment of battery energy storage to date. The BESS functionally stores energy during low-demand periods and maximizes the use of renewable energy generated from solar sources, thereby optimizing energy resources during peak usage times.

Insights from Leadership

Electrify America's President and CEO, Rob Barrosa, emphasized the importance of this station in demonstrating the future of charging infrastructure. He stated, "By incorporating advanced storage technology, we're able to bring Hyper-Fast charging to locations that have traditionally been difficult to serve..." This integration is poised to provide seamless charging experiences for EV owners right at the heart of Santa Barbara.

This site is Electrify America's second station in Santa Barbara; the first is situated at 3790 State Street. The Carrillo Street location is also part of four similar large-format stations across California, which include sites in prominent cities such as Santa Monica, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Community and Legislative Support

The importance of expanding charging infrastructure was echoed by Senator Monique Limón, who highlighted the financial relieve electric vehicles provide compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. She remarked, "By expanding our public charging network, we are making it easier for Californians to choose a vehicle that costs significantly less to fuel and maintain."

California State Assembly member Gregg Hart additionally shared thoughts on the significance of this infrastructure, stating, "Increasing charging infrastructure is critical for speeding up our statewide transition to zero-emission vehicles." This sentiment aligns with the overarching goal of not only reducing the carbon footprint of the state but also improving air quality for residents.

Future Enhancements

As part of the ongoing pilot program, Electrify America plans to convert some of the CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors at the station to NACS (North American Charging Standard) later in the summer. This step is intended to further optimize the charging experience for a broader range of EV users.

About Electrify America

Electrify America LLC stands as one of the largest DC fast charging networks in the United States and is making substantial investments toward creating a sustainable future with Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV). To date, they are investing more than $2 billion into ZEV infrastructure. Their network strategically spans 47 states and the District of Columbia, providing easy access to charging options.

For more information, visit their official website Electrify America.