Toyota and EVgo Empact EV Fast-Charging Stations for Underserved Communities
Toyota and EVgo announced the opening of new DC fast-charging stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, to cater to underserved communities. These fast chargers are part of Toyota’s Empact plan, aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to communities that were previously overlooked by infrastructure projects, particularly those in urban areas with limited off-street parking and higher population density in multi-family dwellings.
Toyota and EVgo Empact EV fast-charging stations for underserved communities
Situated in amenity-rich areas with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and other attractions, the charging stations can accommodate up to eight vehicles each and feature 350-kw chargers exclusively. This charging power level exceeds the current Toyota bZ4X peak of sub-150-kw, but several other EV brands already offer vehicles that can utilize this level of charging power.
In the past, EVgo has collaborated with General Motors to focus on urban EV ownership, and these new locations seem to be strategically placed for similar reasons. It remains unclear whether this Toyota installation utilizes any California funding designated for charger installations in underserved communities, as the state continues to expand its charger network despite challenges in federal funding.
Toyota and EVgo Empact EV fast-charging stations for underserved communities
Toyota has ambitious plans for fast charging through the use of solid-state batteries. The automaker envisions that future solid-state batteries could be charged from 10-80% in 10 minutes or less, likely leveraging the higher peak power capacity. Although commercialization of these batteries is expected later in the decade, Toyota is already funding the Ionna network in collaboration with seven other automakers. Ionna’s first location opened in 2024, with a goal of establishing 30,000 charging connectors across North America by 2030.