US EV Charger Pledges 100% Renewable Energy
An EV charging network in the US is promising that all the energy it sells will soon be from renewable power sources.
While not setting a firm date for the commitment, EVgo, which claims to be the country’s largest EV charging network with 1,100 fast chargers and more than1,000 Level 2 chargers in 66 metropolitan areas, says it has signed the contracts with energy providers to make the pledge a reality. The company is buying a combination of Green-e certified wind and solar energy through its electricity suppliers and renewable energy certificate (REC) partners.
In the energy progressive state of California, the company claims to be currently sourcing 100% solar RECs from California and intends to purchase bundled renewable energy from its partners as they become certified through the California Air Resources Board Renewable Energy Pathways program. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country come from transportation, mostly from passenger cars and LCVs, making the sector the nation’s largest source of carbon emissions with the electricity generation industry close behind at 28%.
Julie Blunden, executive vice-president for business development at EVgo, said: “We understand that our customers value all the ways EVs deliver a delightful driving experience, from better acceleration to eliminating tailpipe emissions.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
