Electrify America has plans to create a customer oasis with ultra-fast charging
Electrify America says its plans for unique charging stations will be influenced by the surrounding communities. (Photos courtesy of Electrify America)
Electrify America today announced a new design vision for some of its future charging stations. The customer-focused design is to exceed electric vehicle customer expectations as they transition to electric mobility, the company says. The company also plans to introduce its next-generation charger that will improve the hands-on charging experience for the customer.
The format of the “Charging Station of the Future, Today” will add elements such as solar canopies and awnings, customer waiting areas and other services at select locations.
The company plans to showcase this transition in 2022 and 2023 with installations in select new flagship charging facilities in California cities of San Diego (Fashion Valley), Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills. Also planned are new flagship facilities in New York within Manhattan and Brooklyn. Currently, the company has flagship California charging stations in Baker (on the interstate to Las Vegas!) and Santa Clara.
The renderings for future stations evoke a dynamic new environment for electric vehicle charging, Giovanni Palazzo, president and CEO of Electrify America, said in a press release.
A rendering of a Beverly Hills charging station that might offer valet service.
Customer-Centric Experience
Some of the new showcase stations will feature up to 20 ultra-fast DC chargers, the company says. Special features can include:
- Customer lounges, electric vehicle showcase areas, dedicated event space;
- Overhead solar canopies to shield customers from the sun and inclement weather;
- Security cameras and additional lighting;
- Valet charging and curbside delivery options at select shopping locations.
A planned charging station in San Diego’s Fashion Valley neighborhood.
Electrify America Next-Generation Charger
Electrify America will also begin the rollout of a redesigned and simplified electric vehicle charger. Features of the ultra-fast chargers, with up to 150 and 350 kilowatts, will also feature:
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A redesigned Electrify America ultra-fast charger.
A new design that refines the look and reduces the footprint of the charger;
- A recessed and brighter digital screen to help reduce the glare from sunlight. The new style will make it easier for users to view the operational instructions and charging progress;
- An easier-to-use single connector cable to ease the effort to plug in the cable, no matter the location of the charging port on a vehicle.
“The momentum moving us closer to an electric transportation system is accelerating with consumers finding more and more choices of EVs from virtually every manufacturer,” Palazzo said. “Our customer research shows the need to transition to a more inviting charging experience that accommodates the human experience with waiting areas and other conveniences.”
An enclosed charging station in San Francisco might look like this.
