New Mexico Celebrates Opening of Its First NEVI-Funded EV Charging Station
Electric Era has officially opened New Mexico's first fast-charging EV station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. This milestone marks a significant step in enhancing the state's electric vehicle infrastructure, showcasing rapid deployment capabilities that outpace competitors like Tesla.
Key Takeaways
First NEVI-Funded Site: New Mexico's inaugural NEVI-funded EV charging station is now operational.
Rapid Deployment: Electric Era completed the site in just over six months, demonstrating industry-leading efficiency.
High Capacity: The station features two 400kW fast chargers, capable of charging four EVs simultaneously.
Strategic Location: Situated along the I-10 corridor in Deming, NM, it addresses critical charging needs in the region.
Future Expansion: This site is part of a larger initiative, with 18 additional NEVI sites planned across multiple states.
Overview of Electric Era's Achievements
Electric Era, based in Seattle, has emerged as a leader in the EV charging sector, combining innovative technology with efficient project management. The company has successfully integrated its patented battery-backed charging solutions to ensure high reliability and performance.
Quincy Lee, CEO of Electric Era, emphasized the importance of uptime, stating that their charging ports exceed 98% availability, surpassing NEVI's requirement of 97%. This reliability is crucial for building consumer trust in electric vehicle infrastructure.
Features of the New Charging Station
The newly opened charging station in Deming boasts several key features:
Two 400kW Fast Chargers: These chargers can power up to four electric vehicles at once, with a minimum charging rate of 150kW.
Battery-Backed Technology: This innovative design allows for efficient energy use and reduces the need for extensive grid upgrades.
Strategic Partnerships: Electric Era collaborated with Columbus Electric Co-Op and Bowlin’s Travel Centers to bring this project to fruition.
The NEVI Program and Its Impact
The NEVI program aims to establish a reliable network of high-power EV charging stations every 50 miles along U.S. highways. This initiative focuses on bridging gaps in charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Electric Era's deployment strategy aligns perfectly with these goals, providing a scalable solution to meet growing EV demands.
Future Prospects
As Electric Era continues to expand its footprint, the company has secured 31 NEVI site awards across the United States. This growth not only enhances the EV charging landscape but also creates skilled jobs in local communities.
Kyle Rowe, Director of Government Partnerships, highlighted the importance of American innovation in building a robust charging network. He stated that these projects are not just about installing chargers; they are about creating a sustainable infrastructure that drivers can depend on.
Conclusion
The opening of New Mexico's first NEVI-funded EV charging station is a pivotal moment for the state's electric vehicle infrastructure. With Electric Era leading the charge, the future looks promising for EV adoption and the development of a reliable charging network across the nation. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it sets a benchmark for others in the industry, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
Sources
Electric Era Opens New Mexico's First NEVI-funded EV Charging Site, Demonstrates Industry-Leading Deployment Speed Beating Tesla - Batteries News, Batteries News.
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