Fast Chargers Arrive in Key Urban Areas
Toyota and EVgo have launched new DC fast-charging stations aimed at underserved communities in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. These locations are part of Toyota’s Empact initiative, which seeks to bring EV charging to areas previously overlooked by infrastructure projects.
Designed for urban areas with high population density, these chargers will serve drivers without access to home charging, including those in multi-family dwellings.
Convenient Charging in High-Traffic Areas
Each new station is located in “amenity-rich” areas, near grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers. This ensures that drivers can charge while they shop or dine, making EV ownership more practical for city dwellers.
The chargers are 350 kW ultra-fast, far exceeding the 150 kW peak charging speed of Toyota’s current bZ4X. While Toyota’s EVs can’t yet take full advantage of this power, other brands can, making these stations useful for a wide range of EV drivers.
Toyota’s Bigger Charging Ambitions
This initiative is just one part of Toyota’s larger EV charging strategy. The automaker is also backing the Ionna network, a joint venture with seven other automakers that aims to install 30,000 chargers across North America by 2030.
Additionally, Toyota is investing in solid-state battery technology, which could reduce charging times significantly. The company has hinted that future EVs with these batteries could charge from 10-80% in under 10 minutes. While these advancements are still a few years away, Toyota’s focus on high-powered charging infrastructure signals a major shift in its EV approach.
Will More Automakers Follow?
With state and federal policies pushing for expanded charging access, Toyota’s move aligns with the broader goal of making EV ownership more accessible to all drivers. But will other automakers follow suit, or will charging deserts continue to exist in underserved areas? The next few years will determine how quickly America’s EV charging landscape evolves.
