Toyota has officially opened two DC-fast charging stations for electric vehicles, which were built as part of its “Empact” initiative to make EV charging more accessible.
The two stations in Sacramento and Baldwin Park, California are owned and operated by EVgo, one of the largest public EV charging network providers in the U.S. Each of the co-branded stations are equipped with 350kW fast chargers that can serve eight vehicles at once.
Toyota announced its Empact vision in April 2023 and the Baldwin Park and Sacramento EV charger projects in May 2024. The two cities were chosen as both are disproportionately affected by pollution and have a high number of residents that have embraced EVs, according to the automaker.
“Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers,” James George, general manager of EV charging solutions at Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement.
The new stations were strategically located in areas convenient to grocery stores, shops, and restaurants, providing amenities for residents who may not have access to home charging.
“Availability of charging is essential as consumers consider buying or leasing an EV,” Scott Levitan, executive vice president of growth at EVgo, said in a statement. Indeed, prospective car buyers have previously pointed to a limited landscape of charging stations as a major reason for not purchasing an EV.
EVgo has rapidly expanded its footprint across the country, largely through partnerships with automakers. For example, EVgo has built more than 2,000 EV charging stations throughout the country with General Motors.
In addition to its collaboration with Toyota on the new charging stations, EVgo extended a promotion allowing one year of free charging for Toyota customers who buy or lease a new Toyota bZ4X EV.
