Ava Community Energy, a not-for-profit public power provider, has launched its first electric vehicle fast-charging station in downtown Oakland, California. The hub features 18 Kempower DC fast chargers and marks the largest non-Tesla site of its kind in northern California. It aims to improve equitable access to EV infrastructure for renters and underserved communities.
On December 4, 2025, Ava Community Energy brought online its inaugural EV fast-charging station inside the Oakland City Center West Garage, a bustling urban location near workplaces, housing, and a freeway for commuters. The site includes 18 Kempower DC fast chargers, comprising mostly CCS plugs, a few NACS connectors, and one ChAdeMO option, providing a total of 31 charging ports. It operates 24/7, with parking fees waived for users.
This installation is the largest non-Tesla DC fast-charging hub in northern California and represents the first of up to 15 planned stations by 2030. Ava's initiative targets its service territory, including Alameda County and the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop. Future sites will incorporate public garages, carparks, and street-side charging near multi-family housing to support renters—nearly half of Alameda County's residents—who often lack home charging options.
The project aligns with Oakland's 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, emphasizing reliable, accessible, and community-focused infrastructure for frontline communities transitioning to electric vehicles. Ava partnered with San Francisco-based EV Realty for engineering, procurement, construction, and ongoing maintenance.
Howard Chang, CEO of Ava Community Energy, stated: "Our goal is to expand access to clean, sustainable energy in large and small ways through increased usage of solar systems, more electric transportation via cars and electric bikes, which reduces tailpipe emissions, improving how people cook at home, and even how we heat our homes and water. Ava Charge is just one step in our overall goal to make the transition to carbon-free energy easier for all."
Chang added that the company seeks to place stations in underserved locations to make clean-powered transportation more accessible to everyone.