San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has taken a significant step towards the installation of high-power charging stations for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by choosing a busy truck stop near the US-Mexico border in California. SDG&E considers the move a first-of-its-kind initiative that will help reduce air pollution and tailpipe emissions, as idling vehicles waiting to cross the border are a key contributor to air pollution in the San Diego region.
The truck stop at Otay Mesa, California, features four charging stations capable of delivering high power charging at up to 250 kW for large vehicles such as trucks, vans, and buses, but they can also charge passenger cars. SDG&E reports that the charging stations can charge a typical medium-duty box truck from 20% to 80% in approximately one hour and fully charge from empty to 100% in about two hours.
See also: Nuvve partners with SDG&E to allow electric school buses have Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) feature
SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn said that “reducing air pollution and tailpipe emissions are top priorities for our region and California.” Winn, along with California Energy Commissioner (CEC) Patty Monahan, joined other officials at the opening of the charging stations. Monahan stated that the California Energy Commission is helping to fund this project and others across the state “to build a better and more equitable charging infrastructure system for both cars and trucks.”
The CEC awarded SDG&E a $200,000 grant through its Clean Transportation Program, and the company built the underlying infrastructure connecting the chargers to the grid as part of its Power Your Drive for Fleets program. The program helps fleet operators design and install charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty fleets, offering resources and financial incentives. SDG&E is also working with General Motors and Nuvve to introduce vehicle-to-grid programs.
The state of California has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions and air pollution. According to the CEC, nearly a million battery-electric cars have been sold in California, and almost 2,000 zero-emission trucks and buses are currently on the road. The state has been pushing for emission regulations that exceed nationwide targets. Last week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was on the verge of approving plans that would allow California to phase out diesel trucks earlier than the rest of the United States and introduce stricter emission regulations. If approved, all new commercial vehicles must be zero-emission by 2045.
See also: BorgWarner grows EV portfolio after acquires Rhombus Energy Solutions
As SDG&E’s charging stations at Otay Mesa will be able to charge not only large vehicles but also passenger cars, this installation is an important step towards achieving California’s emissions reduction goals. SDG&E’s CEO, Caroline Winn, stated that “our region is a leader in clean transportation, and we will continue to innovate and collaborate to achieve our state’s ambitious goals.”
