Topic: News

EV Charging for Educational Institutions

Posted on by Shelly Chung

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is quickly becoming a symbol of sustainability and forward-thinking for educational institutions around the country. As the push for reducing carbon emissions intensifies and EV adoptions continue to grow, educational institutions are recognizing the many benefits of embracing EV charging infrastructure on their campuses.

1. Environmental Responsibility

One of the most compelling reasons for educational institutions to invest in EV charging is the positive impact it has on the environment. By providing charging stations, these schools actively support the transition to electrified transportation, reducing the carbon footprint of their communities. This aligns with their commitment to sustainability and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and staff.

2. Educational Opportunities

EV charging stations and their related infrastructure serve as educational tools themselves. They provide practical, real-world examples of sustainable technology in action. Students on campus can learn about the benefits of EVs, the mechanics of charging, and the environmental implications. Moreover, academic research on EV technology and its applications can thrive in an environment where students have easy access to EVs and charging stations.

3. Attracting Top Talent

Educational institutions are in a competitive market to attract the best students, faculty, and staff. Offering EV charging as an amenity on campus demonstrates a commitment to modernity and sustainability, which can be a significant factor in recruitment. Top talent often seeks out institutions that align with their values, and EV charging signals a forward-thinking approach to environmental issues.

4. Cost Savings and Revenue Generation

The initial investment in EV charging infrastructure can lead to cost savings and even revenue generation over time. Educational institutions can leverage EV charging stations to offset their own fleet’s fuel costs, which can be substantial for larger campuses. Additionally, institutions can charge fees for public use, creating a potential revenue stream that can be reinvested into campus sustainability initiatives.

5. Community Engagement

EV charging stations can serve as a focal point for community engagement and collaboration. By making charging stations available to the public, schools foster connections with the local community. This not only enhances the institution’s reputation but also encourages dialogue and partnerships around sustainability initiatives.

Get Started with Chargie EV Charging Stations

With over 15,000 EV charging stations installed, we’re experts at installing and operating EV chargers at educational institutions. School campuses have specific needs for charging station installations, and Chargie helps you navigate those needs. We handle the entire process, from a site survey to designing your charging stations to completing the physical installation. We’ll even take care of finding and applying for available local rebates and incentives. We’ll maximize every program your property qualifies for to help offset hardware and installation costs, often completely eliminating them. If you’re ready to get started, reach out to us today.

 

Chargie and Bell Partners Team Up to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure

Posted on by Shelly Chung

Chargie to deploy stations at Bell Partners apartment communities nationwide

CULVER CITY, Calif. and GREENSBORO, N.C. – September 7, 2023 – Chargie, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and Bell Partners, Inc., one of the nation’s leading apartment investment and management companies, today announced a partnership to bring reliable EV charging infrastructure to multifamily properties owned and managed by Bell Partners, Inc. Under the partnership, Chargie will design, install, operate and maintain EV charging stations across Bell Partners’ nationwide portfolio of apartment communities.

The transition to electric vehicles has gained considerable momentum in recent years, driven by the desire to reduce carbon emissions and embrace more sustainable transportation options. This collaboration between Chargie and Bell Partners aims to accelerate the growth of electric mobility by expanding the availability of convenient and reliable EV charging infrastructure.

“We recognize the majority of EV charging happens at home. When home is an apartment building, access to reliable charging can be a challenge,” said Zach Jennings, CEO of Chargie. “Together with Bell Partners, we look forward to removing those barriers and making EV charging a core part of the resident experience. This is a significant step toward making EVs accessible for all.”

Chargie’s solution includes detailed site analyses, design engineering, construction services, and ongoing 24/7/365 support for drivers and property managers. The networked Level 2 stations will provide Bell Partners’ residents with load-managed charging that maximizes the number of vehicles charged while safely balancing a building’s electrical capacity.

The addition of EV charging stations at its properties is a key part of Bell Partners’ environmental program, which also includes energy conservation, waste management and water reduction initiatives.

“Bell Partners is committed to creating communities that our residents are proud to call home,” said Cindy Clare, Chief Operating Officer of Bell Partners. “Our partnership with Chargie will help us elevate the resident experience by providing cutting-edge amenities, promoting sustainable living, and driving positive change across our portfolio.”

The partnership aims to develop forward-thinking EV charging strategies across Bell Partners’ nationwide property portfolio.

About Chargie

Chargie is a leading provider of intelligent, intuitive and reliable electric vehicle charging solutions for modern commercial buildings, multifamily communities and the growing number of EV drivers. We design, install, manage and operate leading-edge charging infrastructure around the country for residential properties, office buildings, retail locations, healthcare facilities, transportation hubs and more. Learn more at chargie.com.

About Bell Partners

Established in 1976, Bell Partners Inc. is a privately held apartment investment and management company focused on quality multifamily rental communities throughout the United States. The Company manages more than 85,000 apartment homes in markets across the U.S., including communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, Washington, Texas, Colorado, the Southeast, Washington D.C. and Boston. With over 2,000 associates and nine offices, Bell Partners offers an extensive full-service vertically integrated national platform of expertise in acquisitions and dispositions, construction, financing, property operations, accounting, risk management and related support functions. Led by a senior management team with an average of 20+ years of experience navigating marketing cycles, Bell Partners has invested throughout all phases of the real estate cycle and has completed over $18 billion of apartment transactions since 2002. With a focus on the customer, Bell pairs its corporate infrastructure with a deep local presence to drive performance. For more information, visit bellpartnersinc.com.

Empowering Healthcare Facilities with EV Charging Infrastructure

Posted on by Shelly Chung

As the world faces the urgent need to address climate change, properties across all industries are exploring ways to serve the growing number of electric vehicle (EV) drivers and promote sustainable practices. Hospitals, as vital parts of our communities, have a unique role to play in the transition toward electrified transportation. The integration of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at healthcare facilities is not only a practical step toward sustainability but can also be a key component of patient care, employee retention, community engagement, and long-term financial viability.

1. Patient-Centered Care and Convenience

By providing EV charging stations, healthcare facilities demonstrate their commitment to patient-centered care. Patients and their families who own electric vehicles often face challenges in finding charging stations while seeking medical treatment or visiting loved ones. Reliable and easy-to-use EV charging stations on site ensures that patients can conveniently charge their vehicles during their stay, easing the burden on patients and their families.

2. Employee Satisfaction and Retention

The healthcare sector relies heavily on dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly to provide quality care. Providing EV charging stations for healthcare staff sends a clear message: the hospital values their well-being and is invested in their efforts toward a more sustainable future. This commitment can increase job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and making the hospital a more attractive workplace for prospective employees.

3. Cost Savings and Revenue Generation

While the initial investment in EV charging infrastructure might seem significant, hospitals stand to gain long-term financial benefits. Hospitals can generate revenue by offering charging services to patients, visitors, and the general public. These funds can be reinvested into patient care, medical research, or other critical hospital initiatives. Additionally, the operational cost of electric vehicles is lower compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, offering hospitals potential savings on transportation expenses for hospital-owned vehicles.

4. Community Engagement and Education

Hospitals are more than just medical facilities – they are important parts of the communities they serve. By incorporating EV charging infrastructure, hospitals create a platform for community engagement and education. The presence of charging stations can spark conversations about sustainable transportation, encouraging patients, visitors, and staff to consider the potential impact of switching to an EV. Hospitals can also organize workshops and events to educate the community about the benefits of electric vehicles and clean energy.

Chargie powers up healthcare facilities

Fast, reliable charging for drivers

We provide EV drivers fast, reliable charging through our network of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Our 98%+ network availability ensures drivers come back to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 support allows us to help at every turn along the way.

Easy turnkey installation for facility owners and managers

Add value, not work, with our turnkey solution. Our in-house teams provide properties with end-to-end project management, installation, and ongoing operations and support. We’ll even do all the rebate paperwork and applications for you. Reach out to our team of EV infrastructure experts for a free installation evaluation.

 

EV Charging for Fleets

Posted on by Shelly Chung

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is rapidly transforming the automotive landscape, with an increasing emphasis on sustainable options. One sector experiencing rapid change is the fleet industry. Corporate and Government fleet operators recognize the economic and environmental benefits of electrifying their vehicles, and as a result, the demand for efficient and scalable EV charging solutions tailored to fleets has grown significantly.

Transitioning a fleet from gas to electric vehicles offers many advantages. Not only does it align with organizations’ sustainability goals, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers operational costs. However, for fleets, the success of the transition hinges on the availability of a robust and well-designed charging infrastructure.

Key Considerations for EV Fleet Operators

Here are a few things for fleet operators to consider when it comes to EV charging:

1. Charging Infrastructure Planning:

The foundation of a successful EV charging strategy for fleets begins with careful planning. Fleet managers need to assess the charging needs of their vehicles, taking into consideration factors such as vehicle types, driving patterns, and daily mileage. This analysis guides decisions about the type and number of charging stations required, as well as their locations within the fleet’s operational areas.

2. Fleet-Specific Charging Solutions:

Fleet charging demands differ from individual consumer needs. Fleets often require faster charging options to minimize vehicle downtime. Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging stations can significantly reduce charging times and get fleet vehicles back on the road much faster than other options.

3. Networked Charging Stations:

Fleet operators benefit from networked charging stations that offer real-time monitoring, scheduling, and remote control of charging sessions. These systems optimize charging loads, manage energy consumption, and prevent overloading the grid during peak hours.

4. Scalability:

As fleets expand, the EV charging infrastructure should be scalable to accommodate additional vehicles without straining the existing solution. Planning for future growth is crucial to avoid potential bottlenecks or costly upgrades.

5. Charging Station Types:

A mix of charging station types might be beneficial, including standard Level 2 chargers for overnight charging and fast DC chargers for quick top-ups during the day. The combination caters to different vehicle types and usage scenarios.

The transition to EVs presents an opportunity for Corporate and Government fleets to lead in sustainability and cost efficiency while contributing to the broader, nationwide goal of reducing carbon emissions. With a comprehensive EV charging strategy in place, fleet operators can lead the way toward a cleaner, all-electric future.

Chargie powers up Corporate and Government fleets

Fast, reliable charging for fleet drivers

We provide EV drivers fast, reliable charging through our network of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Our 98%+ network availability ensures drivers come back to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 support allows us to help at every turn along the way.

Easy turnkey installation for fleet operators

Add value, not work, with our turnkey solution. Our in-house teams provide properties with end-to-end project management, installation, and ongoing operations and support. We’ll even do all the rebate paperwork and applications for you. Reach out to our team of EV infrastructure experts for a free installation evaluation.

 

3 Things to Consider Before Buying an EV

Posted on by Shelly Chung

As electric vehicle (EV) sales surge worldwide, many individuals are preparing to embark on their first journey into EV ownership. Here are three essential questions to address before making a purchase.

Where Will You Charge?

Before acquiring an EV, the most important determination to make is where you will charge it.  However, the answer is often surprisingly simple. Based on a study conducted by the U.S Department of Energy, 80 percent of EV charging occurs at home. Whether you live in a single-family house or a multifamily property, installing EV chargers at your residence has become more affordable than ever thanks to the widespread availability of rebate and incentive programs. The majority of EV owners opt to charge each night when they return home, which often means shorter charging sessions that place minimal stress on the electric grid. If owners opt to charge overnight, when residential electrical consumption is at its lowest, this also minimizes the expense.

Another popular charging option is your place of work. Many workplaces are taking advantage of rebate and incentive programs to install EV charging stations. Oftentimes, businesses even offer free charging to their employees. According to research conducted by the U.S. government, EV owners with access to home and work charging performed most charging at just those two locations.

While EV owners find that regular charging at their residence and/or workplace is usually sufficient, sometimes drivers find themselves in need of a charge while on the go. EV charging stations can be found at a broad range of commercial properties, such as retail centers, hospitals, airports, hotels, college campuses, and even some convenience stores and fast food restaurants. There are several apps, including free ones like PlugShare, to help drivers easily find these charging stations. They will direct you to the nearest charging stations along your planned route and inform you of how many chargers are available. Even Google Maps has an electric vehicle setting that allows you to select the type of charging plug your EV uses and guides you to the nearest compatible charging station.

How Will You Manage Range Anxiety?

The phrase “range anxiety” describes consumers’ fears that an EV will run out of power before they can find a place to charge. An EV’s lower potential range compared to gas-powered vehicles, paired with the assumption that there isn’t always going to be a charging station nearby, can create apprehension in first-time EV drivers. However, this fear is widely overblown. According to AAA, 95% of EV drivers report that they’ve always had enough charge to get where they’re going. Furthermore, range anxiety is reported to dissipate once a consumer starts driving their EV. This is because most EV drivers charge regularly at home and/or work, ensuring their vehicle is powered up at all times.

While you likely won’t need this for day-to-day activities, you can also plan your route for any trips that exceed your EVs range to include a stop at an EV charging station along the way. Many electric vehicles will even plot out where and when to charge your EV automatically if you put your trip into their navigation system.

Another way to combat range anxiety is to support EV infrastructure growth. If you live in a multi-family community, ask management to install charging stations. The same goes for commercial properties you frequent. Many states have incentivized the building of EV charging infrastructure, in some cases fully covering the cost of installation.

How Will Weather Impact Your Electric Vehicle?

The climate you live in can also play a role in EV ownership. Extremely cold weather can cause EVs to charge up to 3 times slower than at warm temperatures.

Although cold temperatures can reduce an unplugged EV’s range by about 20% due to the need to maintain the vehicle’s interior temperature, this is roughly in line with a gas powered vehicle’s 24% reduction in fuel efficiency while driving in the same conditions. Hot weather can also have an impact on an EV’s range (up to 17% range loss) due to running the air conditioning. However, gas-powered vehicles using air conditioning are affected even more than EVs (up to 25% decrease in fuel efficiency). This makes EV ownership an even more attractive option for those living in warm climates.

Finding a place to charge, managing range anxiety, and considering the positive or negative impact of your local climate are the most critical elements to address before purchasing your EV. But once you account for those issues, EV ownership is generally highly satisfying. 96% of EV owners say that they would buy or lease another EV the next time they’re in the market for a vehicle.

Chargie powers up drivers and property owners

Fast, reliable charging for drivers

We provide EV drivers fast, reliable charging through our network of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Our 98%+ network availability ensures drivers come back to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 support allows us to help at every turn along the way.

Easy turnkey installation for property owners

Add value, not work, with our turnkey solution for commercial and multifamily properties. Our in-house teams provide properties with end-to-end project management, installation, and ongoing operations and support. We’ll even do all the rebate paperwork and applications for you. Reach out to our team of EV infrastructure experts for a free installation evaluation.

 

Chargie is an Approved EVSE Vendor of Northern California’s MCE EV Charging Program

Posted on by Shelly Chung

Chargie has been added to the approved electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) vendor list for MCE’s EV charging program. The electricity provider serves Marin and Napa Counties, unincorporated Contra Costa County, unincorporated Solano County, and the Cities and Towns of Benicia, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Vallejo, and Walnut Creek.

MCE’s EV charging program provides rebates for workplace and multifamily properties. According to the program’s website, projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Must receive MCE service
  • Must be one of the following:
    • Workplace that will offer EV charging to employees and/or fleet
    • Commuter parking lot, such as park & ride or ferry terminal
    • Multifamily property of 4+ units that will offer EV charging to residents (all rent types eligible, such as affordable housing, market rate, senior living, and single room occupancy)

To learn more, visit https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/ev-charging/.

Chargie is Here to Help

Interested in taking part in the program but not sure where to start? Our team of experts are available to help. We handle everything from applying to the program and submitting the required paperwork to installing and managing the ongoing maintenance and support of the EV chargers. With Chargie, property owners get a truly turnkey partner, and drivers get simple, intuitive charging. Learn more about our turnkey solution.

The places you park most of the time become the places you can charge at any time. Our 98%+ availability means you’ll return to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 customer care provides drivers and clients the support they need at every turn.

 

New Electric Vehicles Coming Soon

Posted on by Shelly Chung

The field of electric vehicles (EVs) grows more crowded every year. For a long time, it felt like no matter what type of EV you were in the market for, be it sedan, SUV, crossover, truck, ultra-luxury, or ultra-affordable, each category had just a few top options to consider. But now, with every major auto manufacturer shifting their focus to EVs and new EV tech start-ups popping up all the time, there are more choices than ever. Here are just a few of the newest, and coolest, EVs to join the fray.

Tesla Cybertruck

With the Ford 150 Lightning and Rivian R1T already on the market, and electric versions of the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram 1500, and Toyota Tacoma set for release dates in 2023 and 2024, the market of EV pickup trucks is rapidly expanding. But the Tesla Cybertruck has the potential to outdo them all. And not only because it looks like it’s straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. It will be available with a single ($40K), dual ($50K), or triple motor ($70K). The tri-motor version will be capable of going 0 to 60mph in under three seconds, have a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, and a range of up to 500 miles on a single battery charge. All versions can seat up to six people, and its 6.4 cubic foot truck bed can handle a payload of 3500 pounds. Its slide-out tailgate doubles as a ramp to load four-wheelers and motorcycles. It will also be able to perform admirably as an off-road vehicle with an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly with up to 16 inches of ground clearance. It’s also stainless steel and literally bullet proof.

Canoo Pickup Truck

Canoo is an EV startup from California. And when production begins on the pod-like mid-size truck in 2024, it will likely become the most functional, feature-laden pickup truck on the market. It features a fold down craftsman worktable on the front, a flip down table on the side, a slide out “safe step” to easily access the truck bed and roof rack, and several cargo storage compartments. Its multi-accessory charge ports can be found on all sides of the truck and boast the ability to charge multiple items all day with only about 10% battery loss. The truck bed features a pull out extension (going from 6 feet to 8 feet), modular space dividers, and overhead lighting. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also designed to accommodate a variety of camper shells for weekend adventurers and nomads. It boasts 500 plus horsepower and 200 plus miles of range on a single charge. It’s easy to see why the U.S. Army is currently testing a modified version of the Pickup Truck. It is currently available for preorder.

VW ID.Buzz

Arriving at dealers in 2024 will be a modern spin on VW’s iconic Type 2 Microbus from the 1950s and 1960s. It will seat up to 7 passengers across 3 rows of seats and have a 91 kWh battery. The ID.Buzz blends nostalgia with cutting edge technology, which may even include autonomous driving technology from Argo AI.

Mercedes-Benz EQG

In late 2023, the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-wagen will become available as an EV. It debuted as a concept car at the 2021 Munich auto show. What really makes the EQG special is that it will have four motors – one at each wheel for four-wheel drive capability. It will also join a microscopic list of viable off-road EVs, including the GMC Hummer EV and the Tesla Cybertruck.

Additionally, Lexus, Acura, and Honda will all debut new electric SUVs in 2023, and Toyota, Dodge, and Chevy will begin selling electric versions of their existing pickup trucks in 2023 and 2024. There’s no doubt the electric vehicle ecosystem is growing with so many cutting-edge EVs on the way.

 

Image credit: Tesla, Canoo, Volkswagen, Mercedez-Benz

LA Leaders Celebrate First Graduating Class of the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy

Posted on by Shelly Chung

First-of-its-kind academy graduates its inaugural cohort, celebrating LA’s next generation of cleantech leaders with the help of Council President Paul Krekorian and others.

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Avantus (formerly 8minute) and UNITE-LA were joined by Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian on Monday to celebrate the first graduating class of the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy (Avantus Academy). Launched in 2022, the Avantus Academy prepares Los Angeles’ next generation to enter the cleantech workforce and tackle the region’s most pressing climate issues. Monday’s celebration recognized the academy’s first graduating class of 55 students who received hands-on apprenticeship-style learning and mentorship from leading cleantech employers across Los Angeles.

“I am proud of all the students who are standing up to join the fight against climate change,” said Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian. “The first graduating class of the Avantus Academy can serve as the vanguard of our clean energy future. I look forward to seeing the imagination and dedication they will bring to building a greener, more resilient Los Angeles and a cleaner, healthier world.”

The Council President met with students and recognized the key role their generation will play in shaping Los Angeles into our nation’s cleantech capital. The theme of building momentum for an inclusive cleantech industry was shared by speakers and students throughout the program.

“Today is a celebration of action,” said Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, Founder and CEO of Avantus. “Combatting climate change is the biggest challenge of our time, and the fight will require all of us. I’m immensely proud of this class of students for putting their passion and determination to work – and I am grateful to all of our partners from across the public and private sectors for helping us to create opportunities for ambitious young Angelenos to get involved in meaningful and constructive ways. The cleantech revolution is here, LA is its home base, and together we are fostering the next generation of leaders and doers.”

Throughout the 12-week program, academy students got an inside look at the local cleantech industry, with field trips hosted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, Chargie and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). Students learned directly from industry experts in hydrogen fuels, solar energy, hydropower and wind energy, with graduates gaining access to internship and job opportunities with academy partners.

“I joined the Avantus Academy because I want to pursue a career in sustainable environmental design. During the program, I saw that there are so many ways to have a job in sustainability and help make a difference,” said Andrea Abrego, an Avantus Academy participant and Climate Change and Environmental Studies student at West Los Angeles Community College. “The academy has helped me build the skills and relationships to be confident in pursuing my career goals.”

Ms. Abrego led a student panel with three of her fellow classmates — Leon Popa, Caleb Elzy and Athena Eull — reflecting on how the academy had shaped their understanding of cleantech and their career goals.

“These past few months have helped me bridge the gap between my university education and what is currently in demand in the clean energy and sustainability sectors,” said Leon Popa, a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. “I’m so glad I got to learn, not only from professionals who are where I want to be, but also from my fellow students who brought such a range of perspectives to the experience.”

The student panelists were joined by their classmates as Dr. Buttgenbach presented the graduating class with a check to establish a scholarship fund for eligible students to continue their cleantech education beyond the academy.

“The scholars graduating today have shown their dedication to advancing their future opportunities and bettering their communities by pursuing green careers. I am so proud of each of them for making it this far and we cannot wait to see how they go forth and blossom,” said Alysia Bell, President of UNITE-LA. “This first cohort has set a high standard and we are grateful to our partners across Los Angeles who have joined together to help connect young Angelenos with green careers.”

Applications for the Fall 2023 cohort are now open to Los Angeles County residents between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. To learn more and apply, please visit https://avantusacademy.org/how-to-apply.

The academy is grateful for the support of leading companies and partners throughout Los Angeles. Here’s what people are saying about the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy:

Marryn Santucci, Community Engagement Advisor, Southern California Edison: “Congratulations to the graduates of the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy! Southern California Edison was honored to host this year’s students at the Edison Energy Education Center, where they had the opportunity to explore career pathways in the clean energy space. The future is bright for these young minds. Edison International is proud to be an engaged partner of UNITE-LA and its mission to advance equitable economic mobility.”

Cynthia Heard, COO, Los Angeles Urban League: “The education, job training and workforce development that the Avantus Academy provides is exactly what our communities need to thrive amid our city’s clean energy transition. The Los Angeles Urban League is proud to support this program and these students as they take their next step toward green, meaningful and well-paying careers.”

Christopher Vargas, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Chargie: “The Avantus Cleantech Career Academy is a transformative force in shaping the future of sustainability. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle environmental challenges, and by working closely with industry leaders, it empowers them to become change agents in their communities.”

Estelle Reyes, Senior Vice President, Enhancing Community, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator: “LACI is delighted to partner with the first Avantus Cleantech Career Academy, to advance our shared goal of building a workforce for California’s green energy future. We extend our congratulations to all of the graduates and are excited about supporting their bright futures.”

Father Greg Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries: “Workforce development is a critical component of Homeboy Industries’ mission to help redirect the lives of formerly incarcerated Angelenos and support their efforts to become contributing community members. With California’s clean energy sector set to create millions of new jobs over the next two decades, this exposure to industry knowledge, skills and hands-on experience that the Avantus Academy provides is setting students up for near- and long-term success.”

Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, LA Metro: “The Avantus Academy is bringing sectors together to collaborate on a sustainable and inclusive clean energy future for Los Angeles. By nurturing a new generation of cleantech workers, we are strengthening our workforce and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience as we transition to renewable energy. I am encouraged by the commitment shown by these students and look forward to seeing the impact they make on our city.”

For more information on the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy, please visit www.avantusacademy.org.

ABOUT AVANTUS

Avantus is shaping the future by making reliable, low-cost clean energy a global reality. Our legacy of leadership in next-generation solar energy includes developing the nation’s largest solar cluster and the first plant to beat fossil fuel prices back in 2016. Today, we are expanding the boundaries of existing technologies to build one of the largest portfolios of smart power plants with integrated storage, capable of providing 30 million people with affordable, zero-emission energy – day and night. Through our relentless pursuit of better, we are decarbonizing our planet at the gigaton level, and bringing the advantages of clean energy to all of us.

For more information, please visit www.avantus.com, and follow Avantus on Twitter and LinkedIn.

ABOUT UNITE-LA

Over the past 25 years, UNITE-LA has been a trusted business intermediary, dedicated to supporting the development of an effective local public education system, so that all children and youth succeed in college, career and beyond. Through the intersection of programming, policy, and systems change efforts, UNITE-LA works to increase access to high-quality early childhood education, develop career pathways in high-growth industries, improve college access and success, and ensure workforce readiness, especially for individuals with high barriers into the workforce. Visit www.unitela.com for more information and follow UNITE-LA on Twitter and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT
Avantus
Katie Struble
Director, Corporate Communications
press@cleantechacademy.org

Photo: Business Wire

Originally appeared on BUSINESS WIRE

Chargie Hosts the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy

Posted on by Shelly Chung

In April, Chargie hosted a cohort of students from the Avantus Cleantech Career Academy at our Culver City, CA headquarters. Students aged 16-24 took part in an office tour which included introductions to different departments, demos of electric vehicle chargers, and a showcase of various car models. They also participated in a career panel with Chargie teammates from Product, Engineering, Business Development, Marketing, and Government Affairs to discuss professional paths, interview skills, and what the future holds for the EV industry.

Chargie is a proud employer partner of the academy which was created by Avantus and UNITE-LA. The initiative aims to create educational opportunities and paid work experience for students interested in exploring a future in clean technology. As a partner, Chargie participates in events, mock interviews, mentoring and more.

According to the academy’s website:

  • California is expected to create 4 million new jobs fighting climate change over the next two decades.
  • Los Angeles leads the nation with the most solar production of any U.S. city and has set a target to be 100% powered by clean energy by 2035.
  • Hourly pay for clean energy jobs is nearly 30% above the statewide median wage.
  • 1 in 6 clean energy jobs in the United States is based in California.

To learn more about the program and its goals, visit avantusacademy.org.

Chargie EV Charging Stations

Chargie is building the most reliable, consistent EV charging network by a mile. The places you park most of the time become places you can charge any time. Our 98%+ network availability means you’ll return to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 customer care gets you the support you need at every turn.

When It Comes To Rise Of EV, The Writing — And The Charging Station — May Be On The Wall

Posted on by Shelly Chung

In today’s uncertain world, many people probably wish they could predict the future, whether it concerns the economy, weather or politics.

However, some tea leaves are easier to read than others, which is the case when making forecasts about the future of electric vehicle usage.

Thanks to EV ownership rising around the world, states such as California phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles and the Biden administration putting its weight behind ensuring wider access to reliable EV charging, it is not unreasonable to predict that EV adoption will continue to expand. One projection is that as many as 60% of all vehicles purchased in 2030 could be electric.

This trend has not gone unnoticed by developers and landlords, who recognize that the growing ranks of EV owners include their own residents and tenants. Multifamily residents and office tenants expect to be able to keep their vehicles fully charged while they are at work or home. In fact, studies show the vast majority of EV charging happens at home.

“Building owners definitely get the idea that having EV charging capabilities on their properties is desirable,” said Zach Jennings, CEO of EV charging network provider Chargie. “Aside from the environmental benefit, EV charging capabilities will help them attract tenants or residents who will stay longer because they appreciate it as an amenity.”

Installing a handful of charging stations in the parking area might help a building cope with shorter-term EV demands. But Jennings warned that as EV adoption grows, tenant demand could quickly outgrow a building’s charging infrastructure if owners didn’t think ahead.

“We’re always stressing with building owners that you need to look at the long game,” Jennings said. “You don’t necessarily need to install everything all at once. But at least install a system that can maximize the number of chargers you can get into the building today and has the infrastructure already in place to easily expand in the future.”

That is the approach of Hankey Investment Co., which has been adding EV charging to its properties since 2018. Its newest multifamily building, the 644-unit Kurve on Wilshire in Los Angeles, is home to 40 charging stations, most of them in residential parking areas.

Raul Arevalo, Hankey executive vice president, said this “robust” approach allows current tenants to charge their cars on a first-come, first-served basis. He added, though, that Hankey recognizes this initial infrastructure will not serve residents’ needs forever — or even for more than a few more years at the pace of current EV adoption.

“The number of stations now in service may not be enough to meet the growing demand,” Arevalo said. “Fortunately, Kurve was designed with the future in mind and has the infrastructure to add more charging stations to accommodate even more EVs.”

Jennings said that adding EV infrastructure to a client’s building is a “very planned-out and methodical process” that a company like Chargie can complete in a matter of weeks. But as with any renovation project, the work requires upfront permitting and engineering, which can be the most time-consuming part of the process, and another reason to not delay EV charger installation.

Planning ahead also gives a building an opportunity to take full advantage of government and utility EV incentives. Jennings said these rebates can be quite generous, covering up to 100% of the cost in some cases. However, the application process can take months, or even years, to complete and, like any incentive, will not be available forever.

These programs also tend to be quite popular and can quickly become oversubscribed with late applicants put on a waitlist.

“Every EV rebate program we’ve been a part of has always very quickly hit the absolute maximum number of applicants,” Jennings said. “This is unlike incentives for LED lighting and low-flow toilets, which can just sit unused for years.”

Hankey’s Arevalo said building owners should take full advantage of rebate opportunities in their areas.

“These allow us to limit out-of-pocket expenditures as much as possible,” he said. “Chargie was great at navigating the incentive programs for us.”

Chargie has installed more than 15,000 charging stations in more than 1,000 properties. As the price of EVs fall and more drivers can afford to trade their gas vehicles for electric, a wider scope of buildings will likely begin to offer charging stations.

“This started as a premium feature in some of the ‘nicer’ buildings, but we believe EV charging needs to be available to everybody,” Jennings said. “We do a lot of work in disadvantaged communities and perform installations for many types of property owners. This is not something that’s just for Class-A buildings; every building needs EV infrastructure.”

This article originally appeared on Bisnow.

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