The 21st Century Truck Stop: The first public medium-duty and heavy-duty charging station in the San Joaquin Valley

The 21st Century Truck Stop represents a landmark advancement in medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle infrastructure in California’s San Joaquin Valley. As the first publicly accessible medium- and heavy-duty charging station in the region, the project addresses a critical gap in refueling infrastructure along State Route 99 in Bakersfield—a key transportation corridor for freight and logistics. Designed to support a broad spectrum of vehicles, from long-haul trucks and regional haulers to agricultural and municipal fleets, the station is equipped with 16 dual-port, high-powered, 360 kilowatt chargers, capable of serving both commercial and passenger electric vehicles.

The project is a direct response to the growing demand for electrified transport and the lack of public medium- and heavy-duty charging options, especially for fleets unable to implement private charging solutions. By offering standardized, open-architecture, dual-connector charging in a strategic location, the truck stop not only alleviates range anxiety but also supports equity in electrification across fleet types and sizes.

Through collaboration with the local air district, original equipment manufacturers, and industry stakeholders, the project successfully met its goals: finalizing design, deploying the full suite of chargers, initiating operations, and facilitating daily use through fleet offtake agreements. With at least 10 electric trucks utilizing the site and average daily energy usage of 3.0 megawatt hours, the truck stop is demonstrating a sustainable operational model poised for commercial viability and expansion. This project serves as a foundational step toward broader medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle adoption, supporting California’s transition to zero-emission freight transport.