Thomas Farm Community Center 2nd DCFC estimated to be in service by 9/30/2024.
Pepco is adding a second fast charger to their existing electric vehicle charging site at Thomas Farm Community Center in Rockville, MD. Ordinarily, this would be welcome news for EV drivers, but the choice of an Efacec QC45 charger raises concerns. This model is widely considered outdated, slow, and prone to failure.
Originally opened in April 2020 as part of the Maryland Public Service Commission’s EV charging pilot program, the site is now getting a second charger. In August, the PSC ordered utilities to stop installing new public charging stations under the pilot but allowed sites already under development to be completed. This is one of five Pepco locations still under construction and exempt from the stop order.
Aging Efacec QC45 Model Fast Charger Raises Concerns
Pepco’s decision to install a charger model designed over a decade ago feels out of sync with the rapid evolution of EV charging technology. Newer models offer much faster charging speeds, providing greater convenience for drivers. So why is Pepco opting for outdated equipment when more advanced and reliable options are readily available?
The existing DC fast charger at the site, installed in April 2020, is also an Efacec QC45—a model that was already outdated at the time. In fact, similar QC50 units were deployed at Royal Farms locations across Maryland as far back as 2015. It’s puzzling why Pepco persists with older technology, especially as the industry advances toward higher-performance solutions at such a rapid pace.
Public Service Commission Concerns in 2022
Issues with the Efacec chargers were brought to light more than two years ago during a PSC review of the utilities’ semi-annual reports on the EV pilot program. At the time, BGE informed PSC Chair Jason Stanek that they had observed more problems with Efacec QC45 units than with other brands. In fact, BGE had canceled an order for these chargers about a year earlier, opting for a more reliable brand instead.
Chair: Is it fair to say that the Efacec chargers, I believe that these are Portuguese made, have a higher malfunction rate than other chargers?
31 Tesla Superchargers Added in the Washington, DC Area During 2023
In 2023, Tesla made significant additions to its Supercharger network in the greater Washington, DC area, introducing a total of 31 new sites—an increase from the 19 added in the previous year.
In September, Easton, MD Supercharger opened to non-Tesla vehicles following a retrofit of MagicDocks. Annapolis, MD expanded to 16 stalls in June, incorporating eight 250 kW stalls alongside the existing eight 150 kW spots.
Springfield, VA witnessed a transformation as the original 150 kW stalls were replaced. A new 20-stall location with 250 kW stalls was built a short distance away in the parking lot.
In contrast, the Frederick, MD Supercharger at FSK Mall was deactivated in September and its status remains uncertain.
One new Supercharger location has already opened in 2024 in Owings Mills, MD. Also, three additional sites are under construction in Jessup, MD; Woodbridge, VA; and Marshallton, DE.
Jessup, MD 8 stalls, 250 kW at Royal Farms
Woodbridge, VA – Richmond Hwy 8 stalls, 250 kW at Wawa
The Tesla Supercharger in McHenry Row in Baltimore, Maryland is about to get a companion with the addition of an Electrify America fast charger station. This new Electrify America station is being constructed adjacent to the existing Tesla Supercharger in the parking garage at 1641 Whetstone Way, Baltimore.
Location and Setup
The Electrify America station is located on the second floor of the East Parking garage in front of Harris Teeter in McHenry Row. It has four charging stalls and the equipment is manufactured by SK Signet. This will be a welcome addition to the charging landscape in Baltimore and will offer much needed charging for EV owners in the area.
Embracing Sustainability
The parking garage is equipped with solar panels on the top deck, thanks to the Maryland Energy Administration’s Parking Lot Solar PV Canopy with Electric Vehicle Charger Grant Program of 2014. These solar panels harness solar energy to feed back into the grid and indirectly help power the charging stations, underlining Maryland’s commitment to sustainable energy in concert with EV charging.
Additional Charging Options
In addition to the Electrify America fast charger station and Tesla Supercharger, there are other charging options available in this parking garage. On the ground floor, in the southeast corner, you’ll find two existing Level 2 charging stations. The northeast corner hosts one L2 charging port, and the second level’s northwest corner is home to several Blink, formerly SemaConnect, charging stations. This variety of DCFC and Level 2 charging options caters to the diverse needs of EV drivers.
Looking Ahead
The presence of both the Electrify America and Tesla Supercharger stations in this location is a positive development for the city’s EV community. With the EV landscape evolving, Baltimore residents can expect more convenient charging options as electric transportation continues to gain traction.
The introduction of the Electrify America fast charger station in the McHenry Row parking garage is a significant step toward expanding the city’s EV charging infrastructure. This addition, alongside the existing Tesla Supercharger and other charging options, enhances accessibility and convenience for EV owners. Baltimore’s EV enthusiasts can now look forward to more options for keeping their electric vehicles charged. Stay tuned for further developments in EV charging for Baltimore, Maryland and beyond.
The construction site of the new Quartzsite Supercharger station showcases the remarkable scale and vision behind Tesla’s EV charging plans.
As the world embraces electric vehicles and their role in shaping the future of transportation, the demand for reliable and efficient charging infrastructure is on the rise. Today, I witnessed an extraordinary monument to this transition being constructed in Quartzsite, Arizona: an 88-stall Supercharger station that promises to be one of the largest in the United States. This groundbreaking project and the recent news surrounding the adoption of the Tesla connector, known as The North American Charging Standard (NACS), by major automakers such as Ford, GM, and Mercedes portends an exciting time for electric vehicle drivers.
Hub of Power
Located at 370 Main Event Blvd, the Quartzsite Supercharger station is set to become a prominent landmark in this small desert town located along the I-10 corridor. This cutting-edge facility will feature pre-fabricated Supercharger units, with each unit housing four charging stalls. With a total of 88 stalls, the station will accommodate a significant influx of EVs, negating wait times for charging and facilitating smoother journeys for electric vehicle drivers.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
The Quartzsite Supercharger station is designed with four solar canopies, which serve a dual purpose. These canopies provide shade for EVs during the charging process while also utilizing the sun’s energy to help power the station. By incorporating renewable energy sources, this Supercharger station demonstrates the integration of innovative technology into EV charging infrastructure.
Accommodating Trailers
Ensuring easy accessibility for EV owners that are pulling trailers, the Quartzsite Supercharger station will include two trailer-accessible charging stalls. This feature allows EV owners who pull trailers to charge without unhitching, further enhancing the station’s convenience and versatility.
The Implications of a Giant
The construction of the Quartzsite Supercharger station highlights the growing demand for electric vehicles and the need for robust charging infrastructure. This project showcases the commitment of Tesla to build a network capable of supporting the transition to electric mobility. As EVs continue to gain popularity, initiatives like this one contribute significantly to eliminating range anxiety and fostering widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Major Automakers Embrace the Tesla Connector (NACS)
In recent news, several major automakers have made a significant step forward in facilitating seamless charging experiences for EV owners. Ford, GM, and most recently, Mercedes, have adopted the Tesla connector, known as The North American Charging Standard (NACS). This connector promises to enable greater interoperability and compatibility in the future, making it more convenient for EV owners to access charging infrastructure across various brands and models. This signals a new commitment to creating a unified charging ecosystem that promotes the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Community Benefits
Beyond its practical implications, the Quartzsite Supercharger station brings numerous advantages to the local community. The construction of this charging hub will likely attract EV owners passing through the area, positively impacting tourism and local businesses. Quartzsite can position itself as a forward-thinking destination that embraces the future of transportation, attracting visitors who value the convenience and reliability of charging infrastructure.
Milestone to EV Adoption
The construction of the 88-stall Supercharger station in Quartzsite, Arizona, signifies a significant milestone in the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of robust charging infrastructure. As the popularity of EVs continues to soar, charging stations like this one play a vital role in supporting the growing number of EV owners. The Quartzsite Supercharger station, with its pre-fabricated units, solar canopies, and trailer-accessible charging stalls, stands as a symbol of progress and the potential of electric mobility. Furthermore, the recent news of major automakers adopting The North American Charging Standard (NACS) reinforces the industry’s commitment to providing a seamless and accessible charging experience for all EV owners. I eagerly anticipate the completion of this project, envisioning a future where EVs and charging stations seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, making electric travel more accessible and convenient for all.
The parking lot behind the Howard County Government Office buildings in Ellicott City, Maryland is getting electric vehicle charging stations. There will be enough charging ports to recharge 16 cars at the same time. Visitors and staff of the George Howard Building will have access to these charging stations.
These will supplement or replace the dual-port ChargePoint that has been located in the upper parking lot near the Howard Building for more than seven years.
Beltsville Charging Stations Coming to Wawa on Rt. 1
An apparent joint project between Tesla and EVgo is under construction next to a Wawa store in Beltsville, Maryland. The Beltsville charging station includes 12 Tesla Supercharger stalls and four DC fast chargers.
Two of the fast chargers are rated at 100 kW and are from a manufacturer called Delta. The other two fast chargers are 175 kW and are made by Signet. The charging station is in a parking lot on the south side of the Wawa store on Route 1 in Beltsville, near the IKEA store.
Tesla Superchargers in the Washington DC Area
This is part of Tesla’s ambitious expansion of their Supercharging network in the greater Washington, DC area. The Beltsville Supercharger location is on the Tesla “Find Us” map with a target opening of Q4, 2022. It will likely open much sooner than that.
This will be a convenient stop for Tesla drivers and drivers of other electric vehicles who travel on I-495, the Washington Beltway. The DC fast chargers each have a CCS connector and a CHAdeMO connector. The Delta brand chargers are relatively new to the EVgo network. Stay tuned for an opening date for this location.
20 Tesla Superchargers Added in the Washington, DC Area During 2021
2021 was a record year for the number of Tesla Superchargers installed in the greater Washington, DC area. Superchargers in the DMV grew by 20 sites last year. For comparison, Tesla opened 16 Supercharger sites in the same area in 2020.
The map above shows all of the Superchargers installed between 2012 and January 1, 2022 in Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.
Today, there are nine nearby Supercharger sites known to be under construction. Listed below are the sites that are due to open soon in the greater Washington, DC area.
Electric truck and SUV manufacturer Rivian is planning to install DC Fast Chargers at a shopping center just off of I-95 in Belcamp, MD.
According to documents submitted to Harford County, Rivian wants to install six stalls in the north west portion of the parking lot at 1321 Riverside Parkway. An additional three spots will be prepared for future expansion for an eventual total of nine DCFC spots.
The Riverside Shopping Center where the Rivian chargers are planned contains a ShopRite grocery (open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM), McDonald’s and Waffle House (both open 24 hours), plus Walgreens, Subway, Riverside Pizzeria and Crab Du Jour restaurant.
Part of Rivian Adventure Network
Rivian has said they plan to install more than 3,500 CCS-equipped fast chargers at over 600 sites in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2023. This exclusive network of DC fast chargers will comprise what they call the Rivian Adventure Network that is reported to be open to Rivian owners only.
CCS for Rivian Vehicles
The company has said that their fast chargers “are currently proposed to be exclusively for the use of Rivian vehicles only.” However, the text of a lease agreement in Salida, CO suggests that Rivian reserves the option to open some or all of the fast charger spaces to all electric vehicles. Presumably they would employ some sort of electronic authorization method with their CCS chargers.
EV charging station in Chestnut Ridge Park in Erie County, NY
There’s a beautiful EV charging spot on top of a hill that overlooks the city of Buffalo in Erie County, New York. Mark Czajka, Director of MD Volt, Inc., told us about this charging station at Chestnut Ridge Park and we recently had an opportunity to plug in there while on an EV road trip.
Besides the beautiful view and interesting sledding hill, I saw a paper posted to the dual-port ChargePoint station. The paper was a notice of public meetings to explain the preliminary design for “Charge Erie – Electric Vehicle Charging Project” located in three Erie County Parks. The meetings will be held on August 24, 25 and 26, 2021. People will have an opportunity to give their comments about the charging station project at the meetings. Written comments will also be accepted until September 10, 2021. See details below.
Notice of Public Information Meeting for Charge Erie
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING FOR CHARGE ERIE – ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PROJECT LOCATED IN THE TOWNS OF AKRON, TONAWANDA, AND ORCHARD PARK. Erie County Department of Public Works has completed preliminary design for Charge Erie – Electric Vehicle Charging Project located in the following Erie County Parks: Akron Falls Park, Ellicott Creek Dog Park, and Chestnut Ridge Park. A separate design information meeting will be held near each site as follows; Ellicott Creek Park, shelter 9, on Tuesday August 24, 2021 from 6:00pm to 7:30PM; Akron Falls Park, Shelter 7, on Wednesday August 25, 2021 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm; and Chestnut Ridge Park, shelter 21, on Thursday August 26, 2021 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Staff will be available to discuss the project designs, schedule, and estimated costs.
All interested persons will be given an opportunity to express their views concerning the project. Written comments may be submitted at the meeting or mailed to LaBella Associates DPC, Attention Eric T. Fischlein PE, 300 Pearl Street Buffalo NY 14202. Written statements will be accepted and documented up until September 10, 2021.
Washington, DC Area Tesla Superchargers “Coming Soon” as of August 3, 2021
New Locations Added in Washington, DC Area
Tesla updated the “Find Us” map on their website on August 3, 2021. New pins added to the map in the Washington, DC area include the following locations.
Bel Air, MD
Laurel, MD (2nd location)
Frederick, MD (2nd location)
New Castle, DE
Two pins in the DC area which had been “Coming Soon” on the map have now been removed. Those locations were Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD.
Tesla is careful to note that exact timing and specific locations may vary. In fact, some of the locations designated by gray pins on the map in January have had their target time of opening moved. For example, Chevy Chase, MD, was targeted to open in Q3 2021 is now showing Q1 2022. Woodbridge and Leesburg, VA have moved from Q1 to Q2 2022 in the latest estimation on the Tesla “Coming Soon” map.
Eight DC Area Supercharger Locations Planned to Open This Year
