Key Takeaways
- EVgo has inaugurated Los Angeles’ largest non-Tesla fast charging station, featuring 10 stalls and 20 plugs.
- The new facility on S Robertson Blvd offers charging capabilities up to 350 kilowatts, significantly enhancing EV infrastructure in the region.
- In a notable move, the station includes CHAdeMO connectors, demonstrating continued support for older electric vehicle models like the Nissan Leaf.
- The site strategically serves a busy corridor, providing convenient charging alongside retail and dining options for commuters and residents.
- EVgo’s expanding network, with 1,175 fast charging stations nationally, continues to integrate advanced features like Plug & Charge functionality.
Los Angeles, a burgeoning hub for electric vehicle adoption, has witnessed a significant enhancement in its charging infrastructure with the inauguration of a new, expansive fast charging station. EVgo, one of the United States’ premier public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging networks, announced the opening of what it describes as the city’s largest non-Tesla EV charging facility. This strategic development marks a crucial step in supporting the growing EV community across the metropolitan area.
The newly unveiled station, situated on S Robertson Boulevard in the heart of Los Angeles, boasts impressive specifications. It features a total of 10 charging stalls equipped with 20 plugs, collectively capable of delivering a formidable power output of up to 350 kilowatts. This capacity positions it as a vital resource for EV drivers seeking rapid battery replenishment.
Strategic Inclusion of CHAdeMO Support
Amidst the deployment of cutting-edge charging technology, a particularly noteworthy aspect of EVgo’s new Los Angeles facility is its continued commitment to older EV models through the inclusion of CHAdeMO connectors. This detail stands out in an industry increasingly standardizing around CCS (Combined Charging System) and, more recently, NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors.
CHAdeMO has historically been the charging standard for several pioneering EVs, most notably the Nissan Leaf across its first two generations, alongside a few Japanese-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The decision to integrate two CHAdeMO ports, delivering up to 100 kW, underscores a commitment to the entire spectrum of EV owners, including those with older, more affordable used electric vehicles.
While the industry rapidly evolves with newer, higher-power charging standards, the presence of CHAdeMO ensures that a segment of the EV market, often overlooked in new infrastructure rollouts, retains access to essential fast charging capabilities. This inclusive approach by EVgo addresses the practical needs of a diverse EV owner base in the region.
Advanced Charging Capabilities and Connector Diversity
The Los Angeles station is engineered to cater to a broad range of electric vehicles with varying charging requirements. Beyond the CHAdeMO compatibility, the remaining 18 cables are equipped with CCS connectors, reflecting the current dominant standard for fast charging across many non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America.
The distribution of power levels across the stalls is meticulously planned to optimize charging efficiency. The facility includes two 100-kilowatt stalls, three 200-kW stalls, and five high-power 350-kW stalls. This tiered power delivery system allows drivers to select a charging speed appropriate for their vehicle’s capacity and their urgency, from topping off to a full rapid charge.
For vehicles equipped with NACS ports, widely adopted by Tesla and increasingly by other major automakers, direct NACS cables are not present at this specific EVgo station. However, NACS-equipped EVs can readily utilize CCS chargers through the use of widely available charging adapters. Conversely, attempting to use a CHAdeMO adapter with a CCS station is often both prohibitively expensive and generally not recommended by the CHAdeMO association, highlighting the importance of dedicated CHAdeMO ports for compatible vehicles.
EVgo’s Broader Network Expansion and NACS Integration
EVgo is actively participating in the broader industry shift towards NACS, reflecting its forward-looking strategy for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The company has already commenced installing Tesla Superchargers at various locations. These newer V4 dispensers are designed to deliver power outputs of up to 500 kW at 1,000 volts, and crucially, they are seamlessly integrated into the Tesla in-app navigation system, offering a streamlined user experience for Tesla drivers.
Furthermore, EVgo is proactively adding NACS plugs to its existing charging stations, ensuring that its network remains compatible with the evolving standards and growing number of NACS-enabled vehicles. This dual strategy of deploying new NACS-native stations and retrofitting existing ones underscores EVgo’s commitment to a universal and accessible charging ecosystem.
Strategic Location for Urban EV Drivers
The selection of the S Robertson Boulevard location is a testament to thoughtful urban planning and strategic accessibility. Positioned just off the bustling Santa Monica Freeway, in the vibrant Mid-City neighborhood, the station serves a central corridor known for high traffic volume and commercial activity. This placement ensures maximum convenience for a diverse range of EV drivers, from daily commuters to those running errands or traversing the city.
The proximity of the charging station to a variety of amenities significantly enhances the user experience. Drivers can plug in their vehicles and comfortably utilize their charging time for practical activities such as grabbing a meal at nearby restaurants, completing grocery shopping, or engaging in other retail errands. This integration of charging into daily routines is a critical factor in promoting broader EV adoption and reducing range anxiety.
EVgo’s Expanding National Footprint and User Experience
EVgo’s new Los Angeles site is part of a much larger, rapidly expanding national network. According to data from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), EVgo currently operates an impressive 1,175 EV fast charging stations across the United States. These stations collectively offer a substantial 5,185 individual charging ports available for public use, positioning EVgo as a major player in the country’s EV charging landscape.
A key feature enhancing the user experience across the majority of EVgo’s stations is the implementation of Plug & Charge functionality. This technology streamlines the charging process significantly: once a compatible EV is plugged into a station, the charging session commences automatically, provided a valid payment method is configured within the user’s EVgo account. This seamless, hassle-free operation eliminates the need for card swiping or app initiation, embodying a user-centric approach to electric vehicle charging.
The continuous expansion of networks like EVgo’s, coupled with strategic site selections and support for diverse charging standards, is crucial for fostering confidence among current and prospective electric vehicle owners. Such developments underscore the accelerating pace of EV infrastructure growth, paving the way for a more sustainable and electrified transportation future.
FAQ Section
What makes the new EVgo station in Los Angeles significant?
The new EVgo station on S Robertson Blvd is the largest non-Tesla fast charging facility in Los Angeles, featuring 10 stalls and 20 plugs. It offers high-power charging up to 350 kW, significantly expanding access to rapid charging for the city’s growing electric vehicle community.
Why does the station include CHAdeMO support?
The inclusion of two 100 kW CHAdeMO ports demonstrates EVgo’s commitment to supporting older EV models, such as the Nissan Leaf and some Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs. This ensures owners of these vehicles, often found in the used EV market, continue to have access to fast charging options.
What power levels are available at the new station?
The station offers a range of power levels, including two 100 kW stalls, three 200 kW stalls, and five ultra-fast 350 kW stalls. This variety caters to different electric vehicle models and battery capacities, allowing for efficient charging based on specific needs.
Can Tesla vehicles charge at this new EVgo station?
While the station primarily features CCS connectors alongside CHAdeMO, Tesla vehicles equipped with NACS ports can charge using a compatible CCS adapter. EVgo is also actively integrating NACS plugs into its broader network and installing Tesla Superchargers at other locations to ensure wider compatibility.
What is Plug & Charge functionality?
Plug & Charge is a convenient feature available at most EVgo stations. It allows an electric vehicle to automatically initiate a charging session simply by plugging it in, provided the user has a registered account and a payment method set up, eliminating manual steps like card swiping or app activation.
How many EVgo fast charging stations are there in the U.S.?
According to the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), EVgo currently operates 1,175 EV fast charging stations across the United States. These stations collectively provide a total of 5,185 individual charging ports accessible to the public, solidifying EVgo’s extensive network coverage.
Where is the new EVgo charging station located in Los Angeles?
The new station is strategically located on S Robertson Boulevard in the Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles, just off the Santa Monica Freeway. Its central placement offers convenient access for drivers, surrounded by various restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping facilities for amenities during charging sessions.