Greenlane has announced the establishment of its first commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging corridor, aimed at supporting the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure across the nation’s freight corridors. This initiative, a collaboration between Daimler Truck North America LLC, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure business, seeks to enhance the efficiency and reliability of carbon-neutral freight transportation. The newly introduced charging corridor will be situated along Interstate 15, with initial charging stations located in Colton, Barstow, and Baker, California. Over the forthcoming year, Greenlane plans to extend this corridor further, reaching beyond Southern Nevada and towards San Pedro in California.
The selection of these locations was based on an analysis of truck telematics data, frequent freight routes, and customer deployment strategies, aiming to optimize the transition towards zero-emission vehicles. Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO of Greenlane, highlighted the corridor’s role in providing publicly available electric charging for commercial vehicles and setting a precedent for future EV charging hubs.
The Colton site, once fully developed, is expected to feature over 60 chargers, including 400 kW Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) and 200 kW DCFC options to accommodate medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), as well as school buses and light-duty passenger vehicles. Future enhancements will include long-duration and overnight charging facilities, and preparations for the adoption of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) when it becomes commercially viable.
To ensure the charging stations meet regional demand efficiently, Greenlane utilized predictive modeling tools to simulate truck traffic and energy flow, determining the optimal number and placement of chargers. This approach aims to minimize charging time for drivers and maximize uptime for freight transportation.
In addition to charging services, the Greenlane sites will offer wide pull-through lanes and modern facilities to improve the rest stop experience for drivers, including restrooms and food and beverage options. With the goal of developing a nationwide network of commercial charging stations, Greenlane also plans to include hydrogen refueling options for commercial vehicles in the future.
The construction of the Colton flagship site is scheduled to begin in spring, with an opening targeted for late 2024. Located strategically at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 215, this hub is designed to cater to the charging needs of heavy, medium, and light-duty ZEV drivers.
