Skycharger, a prominent U.S. electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure developer, has been awarded a $10 million grant by the California Energy Commission (CEC) under its CRITICAL PATHS 2.0 program. The funding is designated for the design, construction, and operation of two major electric truck stops in Kettleman City and Lebec, California, both situated along the high-traffic I-5 freight corridor.
Each proposed site will feature 32 high-capacity fast charging stations, capable of simultaneously charging 64 heavy-duty trucks at 200 kW or higher. These facilities are set to become some of the most robust EV charging hubs for freight vehicles in the state. Additionally, the truck stops will incorporate 5.1 MW of solar power and 8 MWh of battery energy storage, ensuring sustainable and resilient operations.
Andy Karetsky, President of Skycharger, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We are grateful to the California Energy Commission and the State of California for their unwavering support for transportation electrification, including heavy-duty trucks.” He emphasized that electric trucks contribute to cleaner air, reduced noise, lower operating costs, and numerous benefits for workers and communities.
The selected locations, Kettleman City in Kings County and Lebec in Kern County, are among the busiest trucking corridors in the state, with over 14,000 and 23,000 trucks passing through daily, respectively. These sites are also in disadvantaged and low-income communities, which will benefit from job opportunities and improved air quality resulting from the project.
Skycharger plans to prioritize local hiring for the construction phase, aiming to create over 90 well-paying jobs under project labor agreements with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. These agreements will ensure fair labor practices and provide opportunities for apprenticeships and workforce development programs, including initiatives for veterans and students.
The project is expected to significantly reduce emissions, with projections indicating the elimination of over a million metric tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. By replacing diesel truck operations with electric alternatives, the initiative aligns with California’s broader goals of advancing electric vehicle adoption and contributing to public health improvements.
