The chargers, manufactured by Tritium, are now open to customers at a station operated by ChargeNet onsite at the branch run by Taco Bell franchisee Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG).
The rollout is the first of more than 100 Taco Bell locations across California that will feature a ChargeNet station with Tritium EV chargers, improving public access to EV charging. On average, the stations, which are compatible with all EV connectors, will provide a 100-mile charge in 20 minutes or less for US$20.
The charging stations feature ChargeNet Stations' software technology that pairs solar energy and energy storage with Tritium’s fast EV chargers.
“Call it quick food, quick charge,” said ChargeNet Stations CEO and founder Tosh Dutt. “You can get an EV charge and a chalupa all in one easy stop.”
Locations are being strategically positioned to make EV charging available in traditionally underserved communities.
“We are committed to catalysing the EV revolution to ensure it spans across all demographics,” Dutt said. “This is why we are working with quick-serve restaurants, where an estimated 120 million Americans eat every day. About half of our locations are in marginalised communities across California, providing charging access to people who may not have the luxury of a home charging station. We are out to democratize EV charging across California and beyond.”
More than 100 California Taco Bell restaurants, owned by DRG, are set to be 'electrified' in the next year, meaning they will be equipped with ChargeNet Stations’ fast charging, energy storage, renewable energy, and software technology. The company says it will be expanding to other brands, which will be announced soon.
Automotive experts predict more than 50 types of EVs, priced at or below US$30,000 will be available in the US market within the next three years. By 2035, California plans to ban the sales of new gas-powered cars and trucks.
