The addition of the 20 fast chargers, in combination with 24 Tesla superchargers, has made the Marengo Charging Plaza the largest public-access DC Fast Charging location in the U.S.
Since the City launched the PowerUp Pasadena campaign in 2018, Pasadena has offered some of the most generous rebates to purchase/lease new or used- EVs throughout the state. The city’s utility, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has more than doubled the installation of public EV charging infrastructure within the city in the past year and a half, and received the distinction of having the highest percentage of EV drivers among all southern California electric utilities. The fast-chargers make it possible for EV drivers to charge up and add up to 100 miles in less than 30 minutes. Within its first months of operation the Plaza captured more than 7,000 charging sessions per month.
“We believe that Fast-Charging facilities like the Marengo Charging Plaza provide Pasadena residents and commuters with the confidence they need to drive electric,” says PWP Assistant General Manager, Marvin Moon. “We appreciate Tritium’s staff for the support they have given PWP both during and after construction to help ensure a great customer experience.”
The design of the Tritium RT50/50kW fast-chargers installed at the Marengo location fits into compact spaces and existing structures typical of Level 2 A.C. chargers. They operate over a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and corrosive conditions. The chargers have a wide operating temperature range of -31 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit and offer ingress protection of IP65, NEMA 3R. The fast charger is liquid-cooled which controls heat and reduces wear on internal components, providing for a longer system life for the charger and a higher return on investment for owners.
“Making chargers publicly available is exactly what EV drivers need, and will ultimately help advance EV adoption,” said Jason Fudenberg, president of the Tesla Owner’s Club of Los Angeles. “Being able to stop for a quick charge and grab a bite nearby makes road trips simple, and the cost to charge is a fraction of what I used to pay for gasoline.”
The city is focused on placing EV chargers at central locations throughout the city’s 23 square mile boundaries that will help drivers support their daily commute and extend their electric range to reach further destinations. “The installation of these 44 fast chargers was key to giving EV drivers the confidence they needed to see that regardless of the make and model of their EV, they now have a location they could easily access and receive a fast charge-up in minutes,” said Steve Mermell, Pasadena city manager.
The support of public-private partnerships was an effective way to advance EV infrastructure and provide the technology needed to benefit the community. With the help of grants from the California Energy Commission and Southern California Air Quality Management District, and revenues from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, the City was able to construct the entire project without the use of rate payer dollars.
