Highway Rest Stops Go Electric
TravelCenters of America is the largest full-service travel center network in the U.S. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, it has over 280 locations nationwide, in 44 states, with over 18,000 team members. In addition to parking areas, restaurants like Skillet and Country pride, and maintenance and repair operations, the company’s travel centers sell gasoline and diesel fuel. And now, thanks to a new partnership with Electrify America, TravelCenters is installing 1,000 Level 3 DC fast chargers to serve electric vehicle drivers.
The first electric charging stations will open in 2023 adjacent to select TA/Petro stations across the U.S. They will use Electrify America’s fast chargers. Capable of delivering up to 350 kW, the chargers are among the fastest currently available, meaning that electric car drivers can fill up their vehicles in the time it takes for a quick bathroom break and a coffee.
Easing EV Range Anxiety On Long Trips
The chargers’ positioning at convenient locations along major highways and close to exits will help ease range anxiety for EV drivers traveling long distances, as well as increasing speed and convenience. On-site amenities offer EV drivers a lot to do while they charge their car. Food options, access to wi-fi, and modern restrooms, will couple with a modern charging experience. Fast charging speeds of up to 350 kW for capable vehicles also comes with seamless Plug & Charge payment technology, and 24/7 customer support.
Electrify America will install, operate and maintain the charging stations at TA/Petro locations, through its Electrify Commercial business unit. The new TA locations will be included on the Electrify America charging network, allowing customers to access and pay for charging through the Electrify America app. Over the next five years, an additional 1,000 chargers will be added at 200 locations along major highways. Electrify America will be responsible for designing and building the charging stations, as well as providing on-site maintenance.
