California electric vehicle users will find additional charging stations at rest areas near highway 46 East in San Luis Obispo County, Caltrans announced Wednesday.
The solar-powered direct current fast-charging electric vehicle charging station was installed at the Shandon Rest Area. The new charging station is in addition to two charging stations installed last fall at the US 1010 Camp Roberts Rest Area in southern Monterey County.
“With more than 650,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road in California, the installation of these stations at strategic locations along the state highway system will allow the public to travel with greater ease, convenience, and zero tail-pipe emissions,” Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said.
The locations were selected to provide electric vehicle users with a way to charge up on longer trips into remote rural areas. Charging is free to the public in 30-minute increments. The stations can charge day or night and in inclement weather. Additionally, the charging stations are equipped with commonly used cables and connectors for more electric vehicles, including Teslas, if drivers have adapters. Availability of the stations can be tracked through smartphone apps like ChargePoint and Plug Share.
The rest area charging stations were funded with contributions from county government agencies. Shandon Rest Area was partially funded as part of a larger $2 million project by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District, while the Camp Roberts charging station was funded by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) for $1.4 million, including long-term maintenance.
“MBARD is pleased to partner with Caltrans District 5 on this unique electric vehicle infrastructure project, which makes DC charging available at the Camp Roberts and Shandon Rest Areas. These strategic locations on US 101 and Highway 46 East fill a gap in the network of charging stations along these important corridors. By funding the installation of fast-charging stations, MBARD promotes the adoption of fully electric vehicles,” said Richard A. Stedman, MBARD Air Pollution Control Officer.