Update on CEC DCFC Stations in Tehachapi, Mojave, and Inyokern, Calfornia

Drove through Mojave this weekend, and on the way back I remembered to glance over at the Denny's. Couldn't get a good look but it actually looked like construction might be going on in the back parking lot behind Denny's. Whether that is a charger or chargers or some other construction I could not tell. Should have stopped real quick but it was too late by the time I thought about it.

I got a quick glance sideways as I was driving past Brady's near Inyokern yesterday and I believe I saw construction going on in their parking lot. I was past the turnoff at that point otherwise I would have gone in for a closer look. Next time I go that direction for hiking I will take a closer look. I'll have to read the stay at home order and see if "outdoor" exercise around your area is permitted under the stay at home order. I have been out hiking the southern Sierra last few weekends because our latest drought has the Sierra bone dry, but that does make for nice hiking this time of year.

I'm confident enough in what I saw I'll add a new under construction marker in Plugshare.

You know, I was thinking the next area around me that would be great to have a DC Fast charger would be Isabella or Kernville.

Also, side note, for Tesla folks, a permit has been pulled to add 12 new 250 kW stations near the old station in Inyokern.
Looks like right behind Classic Burgers.

Thanks Dan. Could be that long awaited CP station for the CEC.

How's the CP station in Mojave coming along? Or the EV Connect station at the airport?

Yes Kernville could use something but it's not on any public list.

My take on the Lockdown is that as long as you're hiking, not over nighting, not meeting people, not stopping at a restuarant your good.

We plan to hike Wednesday assuming the gate is not locked or there are barriers across the trail.

BTW. We did 9 miles at Wind Wolves preserve last Wednesday. Most we've done in decades. And we lived to tell about it.

Paul

I'm afraid I haven't been south through Mojave in some time. The normal shopping trips in Palmdale just do not seem like a good idea.

I've heard the preserve is nice but haven't done it myself. I've been doing peaks just
near me like Backus and Lamont, etc

I was thinking about Mojave.

If I'm adding everything up right, Mojave will have:

EA Site DC Fast (4 CCS / 1 Chad)
Chargepoint Airport Level 2s (2 J1772)
ChargePoint Denny's DC Fast - (4 CCS / Chad) Upcoming
EV Connect Airport DC Fast - (1 CCS / Chad & 2 J1772) Upcoming

Tesla Mojave (6x150kW)
Tesla 2 Mojave (? x 250 kW) - Upcoming


For those not familiar with Mojave, it is a small town but a bit of a nexus in the high desert in CA, sitting North of Palmdale/Lancaster and East of Bakersfield, on the east side of the Tehachapi Mountains / Sierra Nevada Junction. Sits at the junction of CA-58 and CA-14.
Long has there been talk of that section of CA-58 becoming a westward expansion of I-40 to Bakersfield. (I-40 currently ends in Barstow, CA)
I've also heard rumors of a new Interstate taking over the 14 and or 395 corridors, but that seems a lot less likely.
Either way its a nexus of E/W traffic from Bakersfield to Vegas as well as Grand Canyon and Flagstaff.
And a N/s nexus from SoCal to Eastern sierra, and of course, Mammoth.

Anyway, this is the type of charging infrastructure we need. With these options in place I would always feel I could find a charge in Mojave, with no single points of failure. Backups of Backups.

paulgipe said:

Thanks Dan. Could be that long awaited CP station for the CEC.

How's the CP station in Mojave coming along? Or the EV Connect station at the airport?

Yes Kernville could use something but it's not on any public list.

My take on the Lockdown is that as long as you're hiking, not over nighting, not meeting people, not stopping at a restuarant your good.

We plan to hike Wednesday assuming the gate is not locked or there are barriers across the trail.

BTW. We did 9 miles at Wind Wolves preserve last Wednesday. Most we've done in decades. And we lived to tell about it.

Paul

Click to expand...

Paul, that last may be an issue. You may find an area closed for "fire precautions", as I did back in October when I wanted to day hike Mt. Conness. Even though there was no fire at the time, it was closed until sometime in December by order of the USFS office for that area, and as Dan noted it's remained very dry, so you might want to check the relevant nat. forest office website first so you don't waste a trip.

paulgipe said:

Thanks Dan. Could be that long awaited CP station for the CEC.

How's the CP station in Mojave coming along? Or the EV Connect station at the airport?

Yes Kernville could use something but it's not on any public list.

My take on the Lockdown is that as long as you're hiking, not over nighting, not meeting people, not stopping at a restuarant your good.

We plan to hike Wednesday assuming the gate is not locked or there are barriers across the trail.

BTW. We did 9 miles at Wind Wolves preserve last Wednesday. Most we've done in decades. And we lived to tell about it.

Paul

Click to expand...

Paul it looks like you went by Mojave! No I'm not stalking you, just saw the marker you added on Plugshare.

So they did end up putting both Charge point sites at Denney's. That's what I thought was going to happen, I was just hoping we would get 2 sites of 2 chargers each (four total) and indeed we are! That's great news.

yeah dan--was thinking of you. i posted photos to plugshare.

also posted some photos of the EV Connect single kiosk. it's still not energized.

when all are working mojave is covered--my preference was to spread them out more, but lots of traffic through mojave and now there will be redundancy.

paul

GRA said:

paulgipe said:

Thanks Dan. Could be that long awaited CP station for the CEC.

How's the CP station in Mojave coming along? Or the EV Connect station at the airport?

Yes Kernville could use something but it's not on any public list.

My take on the Lockdown is that as long as you're hiking, not over nighting, not meeting people, not stopping at a restuarant your good.

We plan to hike Wednesday assuming the gate is not locked or there are barriers across the trail.

BTW. We did 9 miles at Wind Wolves preserve last Wednesday. Most we've done in decades. And we lived to tell about it.

Paul

Click to expand...

Paul, that last may be an issue. You may find an area closed for "fire precautions", as I did back in October when I wanted to day hike Mt. Conness. Even though there was no fire at the time, it was closed until sometime in December by order of the USFS office for that area, and as Dan noted it's remained very dry, so you might want to check the relevant nat. forest office website first so you don't waste a trip.

Click to expand...

guy, yes, what with covid-19 and fire restrictions we have to double check our destinations. we ran into a fire closed trail at horseshoe meadows two months ago. very clearly closed--signs, barriers, and yellow "do not cross" tape, so we played in the meadow.

wind wolves is private property--long story but it's not part of any federal, state, or local agency.

wednesday we hiked saddleback butte sp. we did check the web site and they very clearly say that "governor newsom" and the state park system realize hiking as a family group is good for our mental well being and is permitted. we only saw one other person on the trail. he was coming up as we were going down from the summit. he asked if that was us in the bright blue car at the picnic area (where you're permitted to park). we had a glorious day--and got to slog through miles of sand. . .

paul

Glad you're getting out. I've just been taking my usual evening walk while I wait for some snow so I can break out my X-C skis. Unfortunately, Ostrander ski hut in the Yosemite backcountry, where I've spent several days over X-mas or more recently just after New Year's almost every year since 1980, won't be open this season due to Covid, not that there's any decent snow right now. Here's some photos (not mine), anyway:
https://images.app.goo.gl/F3gaovyC7s8nuMkQ6

The view out the front door:
https://images.app.goo.gl/uX2iN54Guva2PGvcA

Last but not least, my friend Howard's book detailing the hut's history etc. He's been the hutmaster every winter since 1974: https://images.app.goo.gl/tUhV9hjWbpioW7ai6

Note for those who might be interested in going for future years: depending on the route you take it's a 9 to 11 mile ski or snowshoe to get there, and you have to carry all your gear and food. The hut webpage:
https://yosemite.org/experience/ostrander-ski-hut/

normally has more details, but the reservations lottery page, prices ($55 person/night last year; it was $2 person/night in 1980), route descriptions, equipment lists, calendar etc. have been disabled for now owing to the closure, so here's an article from the S.F. Chronicle from 2008 that conveys much of the flavor of the trip and the place:
https://www-sfgate-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.sfgate.com/travel/amp/Yosemite-Cozy-Ostrander-Hut-worth-the-work-3229654.php?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16076590030444&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfgate.com%2Ftravel%2Farticle%2FYosemite-Cozy-Ostrander-Hut-worth-the-work-3229654.php

Checked out the Brady's location and added photos to plugshare. Definitely under construction. Looks like one DC fast charger but some extra pipes so maybe a lvl 2 as well.
Not really an ideal level 2 location but as emergency backup if the DC charger is down, I guess its nice to have.

Someone also added a plugshare pin in Boron for 2 DC units under construction. Nice to see the map expanding.

What is the current cost for a 50 kW charger and install?

Quick Update:

Nothing much to report. I checked Brady's again a couple days ago and it seems to be the same as my last update on plugshare. Appears to be waiting for the transformer. I haven't been through Mojave for awhile but might be in the next couple weeks and will check. I'm actually a bit surprised no one has updated the mojave plugshare given how many travel through there. Somebody must have checked it since Paul?

My guess is not too many people will try the new DC fast charger at the mojave spaceport once the four Chargepoint chargers come online at Mojave Denny's. Maybe only when you are visiting the spaceport. Mojave is going to be well covered with 3 brands of Lvl 3 plus Lvl 2s.

DESIRED:

I'd like now to see someone put in a Lvl 3 in Ridgecrest and then somewhere in Kernville.
Then Lone Pine and Big Pine and a second set in Bishop and several sets in Mammoth. I like backups in key locations.

For Ridgecrest, I think there a couple good locations but I have no idea how to encourage them.
1) We have two museums now next to each other where a 50 kW charger would make sense. Check out the museums, get info on Death Valley or China Lake, Bathrooms.
2) Put it in the Stater Bros Shopping Center. Food, Bathrooms, etc.
3) Put it in the upcoming Native american Casino. Gaming, Food, Bathrooms.
4) Put it at the Park. Bathrooms, Shade.

Dan,

Media and Plugshare reports some of the Caltrans 30-30 stations are operating here and on I-5. There's supposedly one at the park and ride at 58 and Weedpatch Highway (of Grapes of Wrath fame). I've used that park and ride and it's a rough area. I'll get out there this weekend to check it out.

Agree with your recommendations. Is anyone listening?

Paul

paulgipe said:

Agree with your recommendations. Is anyone listening?

Paul

Click to expand...

Good question. What does is cost these days to install a 50 kW charger? Is it something a business can even afford?
Are there grants for business or government agencies? I don't know.

If I owned my own business (I do not), it might be something I'd consider, but my guess is that a charger is absurdly expensive.
Lvl2 aren't bad at all, and you don't need special transformers. But even the 50 kW installs we are watching require a lot more equipment.

You probably know more than I do Paul. Is there a system set up for matching grant money or similar for business or government agencies wanting to install chargers? Or does Chargepoint or any other charger companies have any programs to split costs?

danrjones said:

paulgipe said:

Agree with your recommendations. Is anyone listening?

Paul

Click to expand...

Good question. What does is cost these days to install a 50 kW charger? Is it something a business can even afford?
Are there grants for business or government agencies? I don't know.

If I owned my own business (I do not), it might be something I'd consider, but my guess is that a charger is absurdly expensive.
Lvl2 aren't bad at all, and you don't need special transformers. But even the 50 kW installs we are watching require a lot more equipment.

You probably know more than I do Paul. Is there a system set up for matching grant money or similar for business or government agencies wanting to install chargers? Or does Chargepoint or any other charger companies have any programs to split costs?

Click to expand...

Kern County can apply for CEC grants. Contact Linda Urata at KernCOG.

CalTrans chargers on the 99, I-5 corridors and Hwy 58 in Bakersfield are a dream to use and they're putting in at least two per station. What's up with District 9?

Paul

danrjones said:

Good question. What does is cost these days to install a 50 kW charger? Is it something a business can even afford?
Are there grants for business or government agencies? I don't know.

If I owned my own business (I do not), it might be something I'd consider, but my guess is that a charger is absurdly expensive.
Lvl2 aren't bad at all, and you don't need special transformers. But even the 50 kW installs we are watching require a lot more equipment.

Click to expand...

If there isn't one already, I've been meaning to start an equivalent thread to http://www.mychevysparkev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3753 here.

The RMI link is dead but there's a copy at https://web.archive.org/web/20140715052531/http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2014_04_29_pulling_back_the_veil_on_ev_charging_station_costs.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/01/04/city-of-norway-gets-fastest-electric-vehical-charge-in-upper-michigan/ has a data point. Discussion was at https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/up-of-michigan-to-receive-its-first-fast-dc-charger-but.202609/.

cwerdna said:

danrjones said:

Good question. What does is cost these days to install a 50 kW charger? Is it something a business can even afford?
Are there grants for business or government agencies? I don't know.

If I owned my own business (I do not), it might be something I'd consider, but my guess is that a charger is absurdly expensive.
Lvl2 aren't bad at all, and you don't need special transformers. But even the 50 kW installs we are watching require a lot more equipment.

Click to expand...

If there isn't one already, I've been meaning to start an equivalent thread to http://www.mychevysparkev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3753 here.

The RMI link is dead but there's a copy at https://web.archive.org/web/20140715052531/http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2014_04_29_pulling_back_the_veil_on_ev_charging_station_costs.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/01/04/city-of-norway-gets-fastest-electric-vehical-charge-in-upper-michigan/ has a data point. Discussion was at https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/up-of-michigan-to-receive-its-first-fast-dc-charger-but.202609/.

Click to expand...

Apologies, was out hiking Sunday and then been busy this week. If I am reading some of those links correctly, I'm seeing somewhere between 20 to 70k? I don't know what kind of budget stores have but I'm thinking that's probably cost prohibitive for most businesses,

RMI suggests $50K to $100K w/unspecified power level. That Michigan example was $77K.

I don't think $20K would be enough for cover the hardware and installation of a 50 kW DC charger. My wild guess is that $50K to $100K in total is about right. I suspect that if multiple DC FCs were installed at a single location, the cost per unit would go down somewhat.

https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/where-are-all-the-retired-second-hand-25kw-chargers.36904/#post-573537 has some example prices on 24 to 25 kW DC chargers for the unit only.

Quick Update on Mojave:

I drove through Monday, and fences were still up around the four stations at Denny's.
Did not appear to me to have much if any progress.

I drove through Mojave again today, this time in my leaf coming back from service in Palmdale.

I charged at EA Mojave for a few minutes while eating lunch that I picked up in Palmdale. No problems.

Checked the install at the airport.
Will be pretty nice. Double EV connect lvl 2 along with the older double chargepoint lvl 2. The new DC charger is still not online. I do think its strange the EV connect will be free while chargepoint is not. Why undercut chargepoint like that?

Checked Dennys. Looks like a transformer is still missing from a pad. I did notice a poll for what I think is a dual headed lvl 2. I added photos to plugshare and added the lvl2.

I agree that Mojave might have a bit much and spreading it around would have advantages. BUT that Dennys site is going to be great. Except for the route to Vegas, I can't think of any other eastern Sierra stop that looks as promising as the Mojave chargepoint. Four DC chargers plus level 2s in a spot with restaurants. Even EA with better speed doesn't match that at any eastern Sierra site I've seen. Maybe that just shows how sheltered / behind we are out here.

I also used a chargepoint in Palmdale near best buy / panda express. Not sure if that was also a CEC site. I've used it before and it's a good spot. Plus used the free DC chargepoint at the Honda dealer.

Only place I didn't check in was inyokern. Didn't need it.