Electrify America Opens the First 350 kW EV Charging Location in California

author: Eric Walz   

Electrify America's mission is to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. with a $2 billion investment in EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Many of these new EV charging spots will have an output of 350 kW, offering much faster charging times. The first of these 350 kW EV chargers in California is now operational at a shopping mall near San Francisco.

San Francisco Premium Outlets became California's first location for electric vehicle (EV) chargers featuring ultra-fast recharging speeds up to 350 kilowatts (kW). The 350 kW chargers are capable of recharging an electric vehicle quickly, providing another 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Electrify America has teamed up with real estate company Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the U.S. and will install EV chargers at 30 malls around the country.

The California charging site features eight 150 kW chargers and two 350 kW chargers. The EV chargers are co-located with 20 Tesla Superchargers.

"We are delighted to be the first location in California to offer EV owners the fastest charging option available in the U.S.," said Jamal Porter, West Regional Vice President of Management for Premium Outlets. "Our customers expect a premium experience and these fast chargers offer the latest technology to provide a convenient, reliable and quick recharging experience."

The 350 kW chargers may not see much use yet. Many electric cars do not accept the higher charging rate, although this is changing, as 350kW charging capability is beginning to make its way into more models, including the new Jaguar I-Pace and the upcoming Porsche Taycan.

In addition to San Francisco Premium Outlets, Electrify America will install and additional 95 EV chargers at Simon mall locations nationwide, including 17 centers in California.

Electric America was formed as restitution by Volkswagen after an admission of guilt in the "dieselgate"scandal, where the automaker admitted to tampering with software used in hundreds of thousands of diesel-powered vehicles. The software altered emissions when a vehicle was undergoing testing, in order to pass stringent emission requirements.

Over a 10-year period ending in 2027, Electrify America will invest $2 billion in zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education programs in the United States to promote the adoption of EVs. The company is investing $800 million in California alone, one of the largest electric vehicle markets in the world.

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.