Rich Development and NRG eVgo Open First DC Fast Chargers in San Pedro, Calif.
City’s First DC Fast Chargers Add Range Confidence Across the Southland
SAN PEDRO, CALIF., Feb. 19, 2014 – Today, Rich Development Enterprises LLC, a specialist in single tenant and mid-sized, multi-tenant retail commercial developments, and NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., is opening a new fast-charging Freedom Station® in San Pedro’s Tarragona Plaza. With both CHAdeMO and SAE connectors and a Level 2 charger adjacent, this station can charge any electric vehicle – a boon to electric vehicle (EV) drivers living in or traveling around Southern California.
“I know the benefits and appeal of driving an electric vehicle,” said Congresswoman Janice Hahn (D-CA-44), who drives a Nissan LEAF®. “But I also recognize that for too long electric vehicle chargers have been few and far between, leaving EV drivers worried about making it home before the battery dies and discouraging some who would otherwise be interested from buying and driving an EV. This new charging station in my hometown of San Pedro is a welcome development that will make driving an EV more convenient, boost the nearby businesses and help reduce harmful emissions in our community.”
San Pedro’s Freedom Station adds to the 32 stations in the greater Los Angeles area, providing EV drivers with another convenient location and greater range confidence across Southern California. Its two 480-volt direct current (DC) chargers are capable of providing a 40-mile driving range after 15 minutes of charging, making it exceptionally convenient to charge an EV while running errands in Tarragona Plaza (1000 N. Western Avenue San Pedro, California 90732), home to Ralph’s supermarket, In-N-Out, Del Taco and other local businesses.
“As a lifelong resident of San Pedro, I have witnessed many changes firsthand in our community. It is exciting to have NRG’s technology in San Pedro, and we hope that this is the catalyst for building additional stations throughout town and greater EV adoption,” said Joe Rich, general partner of Rich Development Enterprises. “We look forward to further enriching the shopping experience at Tarragona Plaza for residents and visitors alike.”
Across the state, 62 Freedom Stations sites are operational with an additional 51 NRG eVgo Freedom Stations currently under construction or in permitting.
“California leads the nation in EV adoption. We are proud to support EV drivers nationwide by building the largest network of chargers that supports all EVs and communities across the country,” said Terry O’Day, vice president of business development at NRG eVgo. “The addition of the San Pedro Freedom Station to our Los Angeles-area network gives EV drivers and those interested in buying an EV greater confidence in being able to drive across the southland.”
In line with its commitment to adopting sustainable technologies and supporting the needs of energy-conscious consumers, Rich Development Enterprises is the first developer in San Pedro to offer EV charging in San Pedro.
By the end of 2016, the Freedom Station network will support California EV drivers in the Los Angeles Basin, San Diego area, San Francisco Bay area and the San Joaquin Valley.
About NRG eVgo
The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks, plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home or workplace charger and use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites and other public charging stations. eVgo is a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across California, Texas and the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgevgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgevgo.
About Rich Development
Rich Development Enterprises, LLC has been acquiring, leasing and managing commercial properties since the early 1960s. With over 3,000,000 square feet of developed retail units to date, Rich Development Company specializes in single tenant, mid-sized and multi-tenant retail commercial developments. www.richdevelopment.com.
CONTACT:
David Knox
Communications
NRG eVgo
832-357-5730
david.knox@nrg.com