XCharge North America and Virginia Clean Cities partner to transform New Kent, Virginia, into a more EV-friendly travel corridor by installing a smart DC fast-charging station, overcoming previous cost challenges and improving local businesses’ ROI.
What’s Happening
XCharge North America, in partnership with Virginia Clean Cities, is taking a step forward towards electric vehicle (EV) accessibility by setting up a smart DC fast-charging (DCFC) station at the Woodfin Pit Stop Racetrack on I-64 in New Kent, Virginia. This new charger can deliver a charge rate of up to 95kW, facilitating most EVs to be fully charged within 30 minutes.
Why It Matters
New Kent, located halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg, represents one of the most charging-deprived areas in America, with both cities hosting a constant traffic flow towards popular attractions like the Outer Banks and Virginia Beach. XCharge North America is endeavoring to revolutionize this corridor and to transform it into a model of accessible EV charging for the nation.
Key Points
The newly installed DCFC unit replaces the previous charging infrastructure, showcasing that fitting solutions can be crafted for the existing North American electrical grid. The cost associated with the installation has historically been a significant barrier to expanding the investment in such technology. However, this project proves that it can be an economically viable venture for smaller or local businesses, providing a return on investment (ROI) through EV charging.
Catherine Green, Senior Brand Manager at Woodfin, expressed her optimism about the initiative: “More and more people are starting to use electric cars, and it’s crucial we have accessible charging for our customers. Through this collaboration, we will get a more accurate look at demand, and see if we can implement additional units at some of our other locations that are highly visible on the interstate.”
Bottom Line
XCharge North America, alongside Virginia Clean Cities, is driving the progress of a sustainable EV ecosystem in Virginia. The success of this project can pave the way for similar endeavors, enhancing EV charging accessibility across the U.S., boosting the adoption of EVs, mitigating carbon emissions, and aiding local businesses.
Aatish Patel, President and co-founder of XCharge North America, emphasizes: “The electrification of this major corridor serves as the perfect example for bringing accessible EV charging across the U.S. This installation in New Kent, as well as an upcoming deployment in Middleburg, demonstrates the need for democratization of EV charging and access along these highway corridors, especially in high-demand areas.”
