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TravelCenters of America (TA), part of the bp portfolio, has begun construction of one of the nation’s first publicly accessible medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) truck charging stations at its Ontario, California travel center. This pilot project, in collaboration with the California Energy Commission, aligns with bp’s strategy for convenience and EV charging.
Key Highlights:
- Location: TA Ontario, California travel center
- Charging Capacity: Four 400kW chargers available by early 2025, one MW charger by 2026
- Technology: DC ultra-fast charging for up to five trucks, integrated microgrid, canopy-mounted solar panels, battery energy storage
- Strategic Importance: Positioned at the intersection of major highways, serving early-adopter electric truck fleet operators
- Future Plans: Expansion to other Southern California locations and additional US corridors
The truck charging station will feature four 400kW chargers operational by early 2025 and an additional one MW charger set to be functional in 2026. It will offer DC ultra-fast charging for up to five trucks simultaneously. The site will also serve as an innovation hub for bp to test new technologies, including a megawatt charger system, an integrated microgrid powered by 250 kilowatts of canopy-mounted solar panels, and a battery energy storage system with a capacity of up to one megawatt hour.
“This truck charging station is strategically located at the intersection of two of the nation’s busiest highway interstates and is a prime location to serve early-adopter electric truck fleet operators,” said Debi Boffa, TA CEO. “We are proud to take a leading role in bringing this infrastructure to our fleet customers and other professional drivers.”
The acquisition of TA by bp in May 2023 was pivotal for bp’s transition to an integrated energy company. TA’s strategically placed highway sites enhance bp’s existing off-highway convenience and mobility business, enabling them to provide fleets with seamless nationwide service.
Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse Americas, stated, “Charging for trucks and passenger cars at TravelCenters of America locations is a key part of bp pulse’s strategy to bring ultra-fast EV charging to major metros and along key highway corridors across the US. This project further demonstrates bp pulse and TA’s commitment to support fleet customers and is just the beginning of our endeavors in truck charging to build fast and reliable charging infrastructure to support our EV drivers.”
In 2021, TA, the California Energy Commission, and the Electric Power Research Institute began designing the electric truck charging station at TA Ontario. The project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of public-access charging for battery-electric heavy-duty trucks.
This initiative marks the beginning of TA’s efforts to expand MHD truck charging capabilities. Along with bp pulse, TA plans to develop similar projects at other Southern California locations and explore additional corridors across the US to meet the growing demand for EV truck charging.
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