Ava Community Energy, a not-for-profit public power provider in California, has opened its first electric vehicle fast-charging hub in downtown Oakland, marking the start of a broader regional network aimed at expanding public access to high-speed EV charging.
The new facility is located at the Oakland City Center West Garage and is equipped with 18 DC fast-charging towers supplied by Finnish manufacturer Kempower. The site offers a total of 31 charging ports using both Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, allowing compatibility with nearly all electric vehicle models. Engineering, procurement and construction were managed by EV Realty.
Ava has not disclosed individual charger power ratings but said the site was designed to provide a large number of stalls in a location close to workplaces, residential areas and nearby freeway access for commuters. The charging hub is open 24 hours a day, and parking fees are being waived for customers using the chargers.
Unlike many charging network operators, Ava operates as a not-for-profit public energy company. The utility said the project aligns with the city’s 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, with a focus on reliability, accessibility and community-centered infrastructure. The company said it is prioritising locations that improve access for residents who lack home charging options.
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“We want to be part of the solution to make clean powered transportation more accessible to everyone and so we have to look at placing charging stations in locations that have been underserved,” said Ava Community Energy Chief Executive Howard Chang.
Chang said the charging hub is part of a broader strategy that extends beyond transportation electrification. “Our goal is to expand access to clean, sustainable energy in large and small ways through increased usage of solar systems, more electric transportation via cars and electric bikes which reduce tailpipe emissions, improving how people cook at home, and even how we heat our homes and water,” he said.
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Ava plans to open 14 additional fast-charging hubs by 2030 across its service territory, which includes Alameda County and the cities of Tracy, Stockton and Lathrop. Future locations are expected to include public garages, surface car parks and on-street charging near multi-family housing and major community destinations, with a focus on expanding access for renters.