Project Profile: California Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Along the State Highways, Central California

California Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Along the State Highways, Central California

Los Angeles, Ventura, Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties

California Department of Transportation

Right-of-Way Use Agreements

Other: Electric Vehicles Chargers

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has added more fast-charging options along the state highways in Central California. The 22 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers span over nine locations in six counties. The Level 3 direct current (DC) fast chargers provide approximately 80 percent charge in 30 minutes to all EVs on the market with universal connectors, and enable free fast-charging capabilities with no time limit. They typically require 480V three-phase electrical power at the installation site, can restore up to 90 miles of range to an electric vehicle's plug-in battery in roughly 30 minutes, and can produce between 50 to 120 kilowatts per hour depending on the model.

The project is supporting the private sector's goal to fill gaps in the zero-emission vehicle market. In September 2020, California’s cumulative zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales were 763,816, including nearly 59 percent battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), nearly 40 percent plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), and over one percent hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). California Governor Gavin Newsom's goal is to have 100 percent ZEV sales by 2035. More chargers throughout the State and alongside highways, combined with decreasing vehicle costs and increasing consumer acceptance, will help incentivize the purchase of EVs.

The project also supports the Biden-Harris administration's executive order mandating the Federal Government buy ZEVs for its fleets. The executive order includes installing over 500,000 new EV charging stations across the country. The recent Transit Vehicle Innovation Deployment Center Advisory Panel Overview and Conclusions January 2021 report provides suggestions for expanding the adoption of zero-emission buses in the U.S. transit industry.

The $4.5 million projects is funded by Caltrans and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District in Fresno, California. The primary contractor is Cal Valley Construction of Fresno. The Broadband TelCom Power, Inc. of Santa Ana, California, provided and installed the DC EV Fast Chargers. The project also used subcontractors Civil Substations, Inc., Pacific Gas, and Electric, and Southern California Edison.

Caltrans is researching a potential gas tax replacement as gas tax and other fuel tax revenues will no longer fund the infrastructure California needs as cars become more fuel-efficient. The potential gas tax replacement proposes a road charge where drivers pay to maintain the roads based on how much they drive instead of how much gas they purchase. Under this "user pays" system, all drivers share roadway maintenance and repair costs based on their use.

$4.5 million

• Caltrans
• San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

Design-Build

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

• Cal Valley Construction
• Broadband TelCom Power, Inc.
• Civil Substations, Inc.
• Pacific Gas and Electric
• Southern California Edison

N/A

Completed in Jan 2021

Funded by Caltrans and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District in Fresno

• Collaborated with the private sector to fill gaps in the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) market. More chargers throughout the state will help to incentivize the purchase of EVs, getting us closer to Governor Newsom’s goal of 100 percent ZEV sales by 2035
• Addressed regional needs for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout California while supporting state goals to improve air quality, combat climate change, and reduce petroleum use.
• Reduced recharging concerns for plug-in EV drivers on long-distance trips through the Central Valley with four new EV fast chargers at the Tejon Pass Rest Area on Interstate 5, and 18 others staggered approximately 40 miles apart.

• Caltrans – New Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Now Available Along State Highways in Central California
• AASHTO Journal – Caltrans Deploys More Fast-Charging Stations for EVs
• AASHTO Journal - Biden-Harris Administration Mandates Federal Government Purchase ZEVs
• Caltrans – Road Charge Program
• Utilizing Highway Rest Areas for Electric Vehicle Charging: Economics and Impacts on Renewable Energy Penetration in California
• FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Steps to Drive American Leadership Forward on Clean Cars and Trucks
• Advancing Zero-Emission Vehicles Why Are Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) Important?

Jim Medina
Public Information Officer
(213) 276-3390
james.medina@dot.ca.gov

Christian Lukens
Public Information Officer - Kern and Tulare Counties
(559) 444-2409
christian.lukens@dot.ca.gov