Electrify America, the largest open DC fast-charging network in the U.S., has opened its first indoor charging station at 928 Harrison Street in San Francisco, two blocks away from the Bay Bridge. The facility will start operating on February 9 and will cater to the growing demand for charging options for EV drivers. It includes 20 next-generation hyper-fast chargers with a charging power of up to 350 kW, two temperature-controlled lounge areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and restrooms.
Electrify America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, established in late 2016 by the German automaker. The company invested $2 billion to set up the charging business, currently the largest in the US. The network currently offers over 250 charging stations in California and more than 900 in North America. In 2022, Electrify America introduced "The Charging Station of the Future, Today" concept, providing comfortable spaces next to charging options.
Electrify America is planning to build larger stations, with outdoor centers in Baker and Santa Clara, California, already having ten or more chargers. The company operates in 47 states and the District of Columbia and plans to expand its network to convince potential EV buyers that they have every reason to stop worrying about not having the possibility to charge their vehicles. Other companies are also doing the same, such as Tesla building a charging station with a drive-in restaurant and movie theatre on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles and Mercedes-Benz operating an outdoor station with an indoor lounge at its headquarters near Atlanta.
Despite claims that the EV market is slowing down and carmakers are adjusting production to demand, experts estimate that the electric vehicle purchase rate will continue to grow. Bloomberg NEF anticipates that 16.7 million new EVs will be marketed worldwide through 2024, as potential customers are encouraged by the growing number of charging stations, improving battery technology, and better range for lower prices.
Electrify America's "The Charging Station of the Future, Today" concept focuses on creating comfortable spaces focused on enhancing the EV driver experience. The company's team has integrated in-depth customer feedback and insights from trend research and leading architecture and construction consultants to increase the focus in bringing human-centered and unique community-centric design strategies to the charging experience.
Electrify America plans to continue this transition with new flagship charging facilities planned in metro areas nationwide.
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