Toyota Motor North America, Inc. has announced that it is the first community to benefit from its ‘Empact’ vision’, an initiative to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The cities of Baldwin Park and Sacramento in California will be the first to receive high-power DC fast chargers (DCFC) through a collaboration with EVgo, one of the largest public fast charging networks in the United States.
Strategic Locations for Maximum Impact
The new charging stations will feature 350kW high-power chargers capable of simultaneous charging and are expected to be operational by 2025. In Baldwin Park, the chargers will be conveniently located less than a mile off Interstate 10, near various amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants. Sacramento’s chargers will be installed near the Arden Fair Mall, a high-traffic area close to the freeway, offering multiple dining and shopping options.
Selection Criteria and Community Benefits
Baldwin Park and Sacramento were selected based on several criteria, including resident income levels, demographics, air quality levels, and expected EV adoption rates. These areas are considered environmental justice communities that would significantly benefit from additional charging infrastructure. The cities were chosen using CalEnviroScreen, a tool that identifies the most pollution-affected communities in California.
Promoting Equitable EV Charging
Christopher Yang, Group Vice President of Business Development at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the importance of equitable Electric Vehicle charging, ensuring that underserved and overlooked communities are not left behind in the transition to electric mobility. This initiative aligns with Toyota’s broader ‘Empact’ vision, which aims to promote sustainability through renewable energy use, waste reduction, and developing eco-friendly vehicles.
Local Support and Environmental Goals
Local leaders have expressed strong support for the initiative. Sacramento Councilmember Eric Guerra highlighted the region’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting air quality goals, while California Senator Susan Rubio noted the economic and public health benefits for Baldwin Park, an area with historically poor air quality.
Toyota's Clean Assist Program
In addition to the ‘Empact’ vision, Toyota’s Clean Assist program, launched in 2021, is crucial in promoting EV adoption. The program matches the electricity used to charge residential customers’ EVs with renewable energy investments, thereby reducing emissions generated from charging.
In California, this program generates revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which is reinvested into transportation electrification, including installing these new chargers.
