Additional Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Now Available at State Highway Rest Areas on the Central Coast
Published:
District: District 5 - Central Coast
Contact: Jim Shivers
Phone: (805) 549-3237
Contact: Heidi Crawford
Phone: (805) 549-3318
MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — A solar-powered direct current fast-charging electric vehicle charging station has been installed at the Shandon Rest Area near Highway 46 East in San Luis Obispo County, in addition to two stations that were activated last fall at the US 101 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."
These locations were selected to encourage longer travel trips by electric vehicles in remote rural areas. Charging is free to the public in 30-minute increments.
The Camp Roberts and Shandon ChargePoint Express 250 charging stations are powered by the EV ARC™ system which combines sun-tracking solar power generation with battery storage to provide energy for electric vehicles. It can charge day or night and during inclement weather. Commonly used cables and connectors for electric vehicles are available, and Tesla drivers can also use the stations if they carry an adapter. EV motorists can check availability of the stations through ChargePoint and Plug Share smartphone apps.
This EV ARC™ system generates and stores electricity, allowing emergency responders to use these facilities to obtain emergency power in the event of an earthquake, wildfire or other disaster.
The Camp Roberts facility was funded by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) at a cost of $1.4 million which includes long-term system 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."
The Shandon Rest Area charging station was completed with funding contributions from the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District as part of a larger $2 million project executed by the Hoseley Corporation of San Francisco, California.
For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects, travelers may call the District 5 toll free number at (831) 372-0862 or visit Caltrans District 5.
Map of Camp Roberts Rest Area (upper left) and Shandon Rest Area (lower right).
Photos of solar-powered electric vehicle stations at Camp Roberts and Shandon Rest Areas.