RaceTrac opened its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the country Oct. 10, 2023, at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Oxford, Alabama. More than two dozen representatives from local and state governments were in attendance, along with partners and leaders in the electrified transportation industry.
The 180-kW, Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) boasts two CCS ports with 15-to-20-minute charging options for all battery electric vehicles. Differentiating RaceTrac from most EV charging sites, the charger is situated under a dedicated RaceTrac canopy, similar to those found above traditional fuel pumps.
The number of electric vehicles on U.S. roads is projected to grow significantly by 2030. With its competitive electricity rates for EV charging and central location to destinations throughout the Southeast, Alabama was a logical choice for RaceTrac’s first charging station.
“If America’s transportation infrastructure is going to support all of its drivers – then EV drivers need that same convenience,” said AJ Siccardi, president of RaceTrac’s subsidiary, Metroplex Energy. “They need refueling options that provide the same amenities drivers of gasoline-powered cars expect. So today, after years of planning and development - and navigating complex legislative and regulatory frameworks – we are thrilled to expand our fuel offering to include electric fuel as we officially enter the EV charging market.”
The charging technology was provided by ABB E-mobility, a global leader in DC fast charging solutions. ABB E-mobility’s Terra 184 EV chargers, like the one at RaceTrac's new location, are manufactured in the United States. The Terra 184 has a compact and rugged design, features high current connectors which help reduce charge times, and meets important industry certifications, such as UL, ENERGY STAR, NTEP and CTEP.
“The Terra 184 is a highly reliable DC fast charger that creates a user-friendly experience for EV drivers while being easy for RaceTrac to operate, service and maintain,” said Jonathan Oakley, vice president of sales for ABB E-mobility. “We look forward to growing our partnership with RaceTrac as they continue to electrify more of their locations.”
For installation, RaceTrac partnered with Georgia-based EnviroSpark, an EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) approved contractor. Responsible for over 7,400 charging ports across the country, EnviroSpark is an industry leader in the turnkey site design, engineering, installation and operation of EV charging solutions.
Over the coming months and years, RaceTrac will continue to expand its EV charging network. Additional chargers are planned for installation at store locations in Dallas, Texas, before the end of 2024. Locations are expected to be announced in the coming months.
In addition to the new chargers, the Oxford RaceTrac location continues to offer a variety of traditional fuel options, including diesel canopies for commercial trucks. The store opened in 2021 and is part of RaceTrac’s continued growth into Alabama. Eight RaceTrac stores currently operate within the state, while two new travel centers are scheduled to open in the fall of 2023, near the cities of Huntsville and Muscle Shoals.
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