Sacramento International Airport and the SMUD have officially launched the opening of a new public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charge station in the Free Waiting Area at the airport.
The station features one of the only direct current (DC) fast chargers in the area that can accommodate most types of EVs manufactured by domestic and foreign automakers. Drivers can charge up to 80 percent of their car’s battery in less than 30 minutes.
The equivalent “cost-per-gallon” of an electric vehicle on a fast charger is almost 30 percent less, or around $2 per “gallon” at current gasoline prices in the Sacramento area. Cost for an electrical fill-up is $10 or less for most vehicles.
The airport stations also have two L2 chargers for electric or hybrid vehicles without a fast charge connection who want to top off their batteries for extended range.
“This is a great benefit not only for drivers of EVs here to pick up passengers, but to any EV user who needs a place to recharge,” said Sacramento County District 1 Supervisor Phil Serna. “The Free Waiting Area lot is open to the public 24 hours a day, and is conveniently located near I-5.”
The project exemplifies a ground-breaking concept in EV charging: an electric “fueling station” where EV drivers can fuel their vehicles quickly and easily, similar to that of a conventional gas station. The DC fast-charge station accepts most major credit cards. The level 2 chargers require a Greenlots app for payment.
The station is SMUD’s third EV fast-charge station in the region. The partnership calls for Sacramento International Airport to provide lot space to SMUD at no charge. SMUD owns the equipment and will be responsible for maintenance.
