Feb 10 2014
Today, Simon Property Group, a leader in the global retail real estate industry, and NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. announced the opening of the first fast-charging NRG eVgo Freedom Station® in the Los Angeles area.
NRG eVgo electric car fast charging station in California
The Freedom Station®, located at the Camarillo Premium Outlets®, is the first of many planned eVgo public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will make up the Los Angeles network, giving EV drivers new freedom and confidence so they can maximize the use of their EVs in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Comprised of more than 160 stores, the Camarillo Premium Outlets are located at 990 Camarillo Center Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010. The Freedom Station is located in the Nike Factory Store parking lot.
“We are thrilled to offer a NRG eVgo Freedom Station to electric car drivers in Camarillo because it allows us to provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for visitors in this area,” said Linda Smith Frost, General Manager, Camarillo Premium Outlets. “We strive to enhance the shopping experience, and this partnership with NRG eVgo is just another example of how we’re finding innovative ways to do that.”
The new Freedom Station in Camarillo is part of a growing network of Freedom Station sites in California with 19 now open or under construction and features a 480-volt direct current (DC) fast charger that enables electric car drivers, who are shopping and visiting, to recharge their vehicles in 30 minutes or less, as well as a traditional 240-volt alternating current (AC) charger that can charge virtually all electric vehicles.
“This station at Camarillo Premium Outlets reinforces our commitment to developing an extensive charging ecosystem throughout California that meets the diverse on-the-go needs of the state’s electric car drivers,” said Terry O’Day, vice president for NRG eVgo in California. “As our Los Angeles-area ecosystem grows, residents will find that our Freedom Station sites will make choosing to drive electric even easier.”
The Camarillo charging station features a 480-volt DC Fast Charger, that can deliver up to an 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes, as well as a 240-volt Level 2 charger to serve electric vehicles that do not have a fast charging option. Level 2 chargers deliver range at a rate of 12 – 25 miles of range per hour of charge. Freedom Station sites are also wired for the addition of a second DC charger to allow new technology to be quickly added to the station. Most sites are available 24/7 and are positioned near retail stores as well as restaurants to provide the option to charge while shopping or eating.
Simon Property Group is a long-time industry leader in incorporating energy management and sustainability practices into its mall operations. Supporting the needs of energy-conscious consumers is part of the company’s sustainability strategy, as shoppers can plug in at 100 electric vehicle charging stations located at 43 of Simon’s shopping destinations across the U.S.
NRG eVgo is building a network of more than 200 Freedom Station charging sites as well as the infrastructure to support Level 2 charging at multi-family residences and workplaces throughout the state of California. The Freedom Station network is just one part of the NRG eVgo ecosystem designed for EV drivers to get the most out of their vehicles by providing simple charging solutions at home, at apartments, at work, at the airport and on the go. 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.