Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 10:09 AM - For Immediate Release
New Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Opens at Sac Intl Airport
SACRAMENTO - 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. Drivers must remain by their vehicles during charging.
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. In 2014, SMUD opened the first public EV fast-charge station at the electric utility’s headquarters on the 6200-block of S Street in Sacramento. Last year, SMUD opened a second fast-charge station in Citrus Heights at 7825 Lichen Drive.
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.
The Free Waiting Area is located at 5750 Crossfield Drive, near the intersection of Lindbergh Drive.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.