Taco Bell Franchisee Adds EV Charging
ChargeNet Stations, an electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station development and software company, in partnership with Taco Bell franchisee Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG), opened its first ultra-fast charging stations at a South San Francisco Taco Bell earlier this month. ChargeNet Stations is using its innovative software technology, pairing solar energy and energy storage with Tritium’s fast EV chargers at quick-serve restaurants across California.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to bring innovative and sustainable ideas to market, especially those that create a ‘win-win’ for our customers, the community, and our business,” says SG Ellison, President of Diversified Restaurant Group. The group currently operates more than 300 Taco Bell and Arby’s in five states.
More than 100 California Taco Bell restaurants, owned by DRG, are set to be “electrified” in the next year, meaning they will be equipped with ChargeNet Stations’ fast charging, energy storage, renewable energy, and software technology.
“Call it quick food, quick charge,” added ChargeNet Stations CEO and Founder Tosh Dutt. “You can get an EV charge and a chalupa all in one easy stop.”
Driving Customer Convenience
Other restaurants are seizing the opportunity to add EV chargers to fuel customer loyalty and convenience.
Select Tim Hortons in Canada have added TurnOnGreen's Level 3 EV chargers. Here in the US, Starbucks is also making a move into EV charging. According to MotorTrend, Volvo plans to install up to 60 Volvo-branded DC fast chargers powered by ChargePoint in at least 15 Starbucks locations. The charging network will cover a 1,350-mile route from the Denver area to Starbucks headquarters in Seattle.
At the National Restaurant Association Show, Melitron introduced a fully customizable Level 2 EV charging stations with HD digital signage for restaurants.
ChargeNet Stations is compatible with all EV connector types and offers, on average, a 100-mile charge in 20 minutes, or fewer, for around $20. Locations are being strategically positioned to make EV charging available in traditionally underserved communities.
The highly efficient EV charging is made possible with ChargeNet Stations’ innovative software technology that leverages solar energy and advanced energy storage solutions to offset the demand on the grid and charge vehicles faster. By integrating solar and energy storage, ChargeNet Stations keeps restaurant utility costs in check and increases renewable energy usage, which is not only convenient and cost effective, but it also helps decarbonize the planet.
ChargeNet Stations’ debut Taco Bell location has six charging stations offering customers a convenient EV charge.
Automotive experts predict more than 50 types of EVs, priced at or below $30,000, will be available in the U.S. market within the next three years. By 2035, California plans to ban the sales of new gas-powered cars and trucks.
The partnership is expected to expand in other areas and leverages funding from the California Energy Commission’s California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) and the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).