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Texas has launched its first National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) charging site in Happy, along Interstate 27, bridging the gap between Lubbock and Amarillo. The new charging station, managed by Impower Connection, aims to accelerate EV infrastructure growth in rural areas, ensuring more Texans have access to reliable charging options. Key partners, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ABB E-mobility, and Lonestar Electric Supply, celebrated the opening of four Terra 184 chargers from ABB E-mobility, marking a significant step in expanding EV accessibility.
Key Highlights:
- First NEVI-funded site in Texas, enhancing EV infrastructure in rural regions.
- Four ABB Terra 184 chargers offer up to 180 kW per charging port with integrated connectors for broad compatibility.
- Collaboration between ABB E-mobility, Impower Connection, and Lonestar Electric Supply facilitated the rapid establishment of the site.
- Station located at 300 N Eastern Ave, Happy, Texas, along Interstate 27, a key route for EV drivers.
- Public-private partnership underscores the commitment to expanding EV infrastructure across rural and urban Texas.
Brandt Hastings, President of North America at ABB E-mobility, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in expanding electric mobility. “Accelerating the transition to electric mobility and transforming every community takes a team effort. With partners like Impower Connection and Lonestar Electric Supply, we are turning this vision into reality, empowering EV drivers in rural West Texas to charge and travel with confidence,” he stated.
The new NEVI-funded charging station reflects Texas’ dedication to enhancing EV charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas, making long-haul electric travel more accessible. Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, praised Texas’ efforts, stating, “The addition of these new NEVI charging stations will increase rural charging accessibility, enable uninterrupted EV travel along key travel routes, and improve clean mobility choices in rural communities.”
The charging station features ABB E-mobility’s Build America, Buy America-compliant Terra 184 chargers, which are manufactured in South Carolina. Delivering up to 180 kW per charging port, the chargers provide integrated CCS and J3400 (NACS) connectors, ensuring compatibility for nearly all electric vehicles. The choice of location in Happy, Texas, highlights a commitment to serving drivers outside of major urban centers.
Kristin White, Acting Federal Highway Administrator, remarked on the significance of this development, “Projects like this show how the U.S. is progressing towards our goal of 500,000 chargers by 2030.” The station is seen as a crucial step towards meeting these nationwide infrastructure targets.
The success of the charging station’s development can be attributed to the teamwork of ABB E-mobility, Impower Connection, and Lonestar Electric Supply. Bobby Kelley, Vice President of Operations and Master Electrician at Impower Connection, expressed pride in their role, stating, “We are honored to have contributed to the development of this EV charging site in Happy and toward expanding connectivity in rural Texas.” Rick Pfeffer, Vice President of Business Development at Lonestar Electric Supply, added, “By providing the best solutions and efficient installations, we are advancing EV accessibility and improving infrastructure for drivers along the I-27 corridor.”
The new charging station in Happy, Texas represents a meaningful advance in public-private collaboration for the sake of expanding electric vehicle adoption. It highlights Texas’ ongoing efforts to make EV charging more accessible in rural communities, setting a model for other states aiming to expand their own EV networks.
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