Ava Community Energy has inaugurated its first electric vehicle fast charging station at the Oakland City Center West Garage—now the largest non-Tesla fast charging site in Northern California. The launch marks the beginning of a planned network of up to fifteen stations aimed at improving EV convenience and supporting broader decarbonization across the region.
Advancing Clean Mobility in the Bay Area
Ava Community Energy, a leading Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), has collaborated closely with its member cities to identify strategic locations for fast charging infrastructure. With nearly half of Alameda County residents living in rental housing, expanding public charging accessibility is essential to meeting regional clean energy and mobility goals. The initiative aligns with Oakland’s 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, which prioritizes frontline communities and seeks to widen access to clean air and low-emission transportation.
Operational Details: Largest Non-Tesla Station Debuts in Oakland
The Oakland station features 18 chargers and 31 connectors, supporting every EV model currently on the market. Positioned near key residential, business, and commuter hubs—including downtown workplaces and freeway corridors—it is designed to serve both daily drivers and long-distance commuters.
Ava CEO Howard Chang emphasized the partnership with Oakland and the intention to locate stations in underserved areas, particularly where home charging is impractical for renters. Oakland City Councilmember Rowena Brown, who also sits on Ava’s board, highlighted the station’s alignment with the city’s equity-driven climate objectives.
Economic Impact: Building Infrastructure for Future Adoption
The new charging station supports economic growth by strengthening local EV infrastructure, encouraging adoption, and reducing long-term transportation emissions. Improved charging convenience increases the viability of EV ownership, benefiting residents, businesses, and commuters. Ava’s broader clean-energy programs have already saved customers more than $170 million and supported the development of over one gigawatt of renewable energy projects.
Strategic Significance: Scaling Toward a 2030 Charging Network
This launch is the first step in Ava’s plan to establish up to fourteen additional fast charging stations by 2030. In partnership with EV Realty—responsible for engineering, procurement, construction, and ongoing site operations—and charger manufacturer Kempower, Ava is working to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate California’s transition to carbon-free mobility. The Ava Charge network complements Ava’s broader mission to expand access to clean, sustainable energy across its 2 million-plus customer base.
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