Rove, an independent newcomer in the EV charging space, has just unveiled its first EV charging plaza in Santa Ana, California. This charging station, set to open on October 15, offers more than just charging—it aims to redefine the EV ownership experience. The company has 11 more stations planned in the short term, and future expansion will cover key EV markets across the country.
Rove’s CEO Brings Personal Experience to Charging
Chairman and CEO Bill Reid, an EV owner himself, understands the frustrations many drivers face when charging their vehicles. He’s experienced broken chargers, had to wait without nearby amenities, and even struggled to find basic facilities like trash cans and windshield squeegees. Reid used these personal experiences to design Rove’s charging plazas, aiming to resolve the common complaints associated with EV charging.
Charging Station Features: 40 Bays and No Power Splitting
The Santa Ana plaza boasts a total of 40 covered charging bays. This setup includes 28 of Tesla’s latest V4 NACS chargers and 12 ABB SAE CCS and CHAdeMO chargers. Importantly, none of the chargers share power, which eliminates the inconvenience often encountered at traditional charging stations. Rove carefully designed the layout, ensuring that every charger is placed so that cords won’t overlap, regardless of where vehicles are parked. This thoughtful layout avoids the “wrong charger” issue, where a car’s location blocks others from using a charger efficiently.
The 12 non-Tesla chargers come with varying power outputs: two provide ultra-fast 350 kW charging, while the remaining 10 operate at 184 kW. Drivers can use the Rove app for billing, streamlining the payment process. On-site staff members conduct daily maintenance checks on the chargers, running diagnostics and replacing common parts when needed.
Staff Assistance and Charger Guidance
Rove’s staff aren’t just there for maintenance; they’re trained to assist drivers, especially those unfamiliar with charging protocols. For example, they can guide a Chevy Bolt driver to avoid the 350-kW charger, which the vehicle cannot fully utilize, ensuring more efficient use of the available equipment.
Gelson’s ReCharge: More Than Just Charging
To make the charging experience more comfortable, Rove partnered with Gelson’s, a premium supermarket chain, to create a smaller, EV-focused version called Gelson’s ReCharge. This mini-market offers a selection of groceries, packaged meals, and drinks. The store is open to everyone, not just EV owners, and provides a convenient place to shop while waiting for a charge.
Even when the market is closed, the plaza still provides 24/7 access to a secure indoor waiting room equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets for laptops, and bathrooms. Additional amenities include squeegees, trash cans, a brightly lit environment, and a drive-thru car wash with vacuums. This setup ensures that drivers have a safe, comfortable place to rest and recharge while their vehicles do the same.
A Step Above the Usual Charging Experience
Rove’s comprehensive approach aims to tackle common issues with EV charging stations. Many existing stations lack basic amenities, offer limited security, and suffer from equipment malfunctions. Rove addresses these pain points by staffing each location, providing daily charger maintenance, and ensuring that drivers have access to essential services. The combination of on-site support, convenience, and thoughtful design represents a significant leap forward in EV charging.
Future Expansion Plans
The Santa Ana location is just the beginning. Rove has already broken ground on additional stations, with plans to use lessons learned from this first site to expedite the rollout of future locations. By expanding into other EV-heavy regions, Rove hopes to set a new standard for how charging should work.
Why Rove’s Model Matters
Rove’s charging plazas are more than just a place to plug in—they represent a holistic approach to EV charging. The focus on providing a secure, customer-friendly environment with added amenities like Gelson’s ReCharge demonstrates an understanding of the modern EV owner’s needs. By offering daily maintenance, staff assistance, and a thoughtfully designed layout, Rove aims to elevate the charging experience and set new expectations for the industry.
Conclusion
Rove’s first charging plaza in California signals a bold new approach to EV charging. From the 40-bay setup with no power splitting to the on-site Gelson’s ReCharge and dedicated staff support, Rove addresses the common frustrations of EV owners. As the company prepares to open more locations, it offers a glimpse into a future where charging is not just functional, but also convenient and enjoyable.
FAQs
What is unique about Rove’s charging station in Santa Ana?
It features 40 covered charging bays, daily maintenance, on-site staff, a mini Gelson’s supermarket, and 24/7 amenities for a comfortable charging experience.
What types of chargers are available at the Rove plaza?
The station includes 28 Tesla V4 NACS chargers and 12 ABB SAE CCS and CHAdeMO chargers, with two of them offering 350 kW output.
What role does on-site staff play at Rove’s charging stations?
Staff members conduct daily charger checks, handle maintenance, assist drivers with proper charger use, and provide support to ensure a smooth experience.
What amenities does Gelson’s ReCharge offer?
Gelson’s ReCharge offers a selection of groceries, packaged meals, and drinks. The plaza also features a secure indoor waiting area with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and bathrooms.
Does Rove plan to open more charging stations?
Yes, Rove plans to open 10 more locations in the near future and expand to other key EV markets across the country.