Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular not only throughout America, but specifically in California. With around 250,000 electric vehicles in the state and a projected one million by the year 2020, California-based energy services firm Ricargo, Inc. is spearheading a statewide network of speedy electric vehicle chargers known as the “Electric Highway,” and has chosen Turlock as the highway’s next key site.
“All those California electric vehicle drivers will need a place to charge when they’re taking long trips, and we’re solving that problem,” said Ricargo Chief Strategy Officer Norman Hajjar.
According to Hijjar, 79 percent of all travel in California begins and ends within state lines, meaning that the developing Electric Highway will prove useful for the increasing number of electric vehicle drivers in the state.
“This network is going to be really useful to the largest group of electric vehicle drivers in the nation,” he said. “This is a big deal and has historic undertones for the electric vehicle market.”
Targeting completion in early 2018, the Recargo Electric Highway project will join together 33 California
locations, allowing drivers of long-range battery electric vehicles to travel to virtually any point in the state without the fear of running out of power. It is specifically designed for long-distance electric vehicle travel.
About 120 to 140 miles will sit between each charging station, which are located on key freeway arteries throughout the state. According to Recargo Host Acquisition Manager Tony Rice, the Turlock area is an especially strategic location because it sits near the top of the crucial SR-99 corridor in the Central Valley.
“That makes the Turlock area indispensible,” said Rice. “So right now we’re actively looking for a business with a parking lot large enough to host at least six chargers, ideally within a mile of SR-99.”
Ricargo is hoping that a business in the Turlock area – including Ceres and Modesto – within a mile of Highway 99 will offer up their lot for six fast-charging parking spaces to be installed. Other than proximity to the highway, Hajjar stated that other amenities which make a business an ideal candidate for the charging facility include nearby bathrooms and a well-lit parking lot.
“It’s also great if you’re a restaurant or a hotel, because you’re going to get these people who are there charging their cars," said Hajjar, who explained that the charging process for an electric vehicle can take up to 30 minutes. “There is a lot of gratitude that drivers have for their charging hosts and they like to patronize them.”
In addition to boosted business, the future charging station’s home can expect to be richly compensated.
“We’ve got a great long-term payment package for the right host business, including a signing bonus, that adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over the term of the license,” said Rice.
“Businesses can be part of the green revolution and get paid for doing it,” said Hajjar.
Turlock area businesses that are interested in being considered as the potential site host should reach out directly to Tony Rice at 310-910-2929, or email him at tony@recargo.com.
