Pasadena Installs Nation's Largest Public EV Fast-Charging Station

Press release from the City of Pasadena:

May 27, 2020

PASADENA, Calif. — The City of Pasadena is pleased to announce the opening of the Marengo Charging Plaza at 155 E. Green St.

With a total of 44 chargers—24 Superchargers installed by Tesla and 20 fast chargers installed by the City of Pasadena—the Marengo Charging Plaza is the largest public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging plaza in the nation. Since the City launched the PowerUp Pasadena campaign in 2018, Pasadena has offered some of the most generous rebates to purchase/lease new or used EVs throughout the state. Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), the city's utility, has more than doubled the installation of public EV charging infrastructure within Pasadena in the past year and half, and received the distinction of having the highest percentage of EV drivers among all southern California electric utilities. The fast chargers make it possible for EV drivers to charge up and add up to 100 miles in less than 30 minutes. Within its first months of operation the Plaza captured more than 7,000 charging sessions per month.

“Making chargers publicly available is exactly what EV drivers need and will ultimately help advance EV adoption,” said Jason Fudenberg, President of the Tesla Owner’s Club of Los Angeles. “Being able to stop for a quick charge and grab a bite nearby makes road trips simple, and the cost to charge is a fraction of what I used to pay for gasoline.”

The City is focused on placing EV chargers at central locations throughout the city’s 23-square-mile boundaries that will help drivers support their daily commute and extend their electric range to reach further destinations. “The installation of these 44 fast chargers was key to giving EV drivers the confidence they needed to see that, regardless of the make and model of their EV, they now have a location they could easily access and receive a fast charge-up in minutes,” said Steve Mermell, Pasadena city manager.

The support of public-private partnerships was an effective way to advance EV infrastructure and provide the technology needed to benefit the community. With the help of grants from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), and revenues from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, the City was able to construct the entire project without the use of rate payer dollars.

To promote the plaza's grand opening, there is currently no fee to charge on the City’s 20 fast chargers, and to support the takeout service of restaurants during COVID-19 recovery, the plaza is temporarily offering a 20-minute grace period.

Watch this video about the new Marengo Charging Plaza and view plaza images.

Pasadena Water and Power offers rebates, incentives and resources for residents and businesses interested in electric vehicles, to learn more visit PWPweb.com/EV.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.

This press release was produced by the City of Pasadena. The views expressed here are the author’s own.