L-Charge, a global innovator in off-grid EV charging, has teamed up with premium ride-hailing service Alto to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicles in Dallas and Los Angeles. This partnership leverages L-Charge’s unique Charge-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, allowing Alto to expand its EV fleet without the usual hefty upfront costs or reliance on existing power grids.
Solving the Gridlock for EV Charging
Traditional grid infrastructure often presents a major hurdle to wider EV adoption, especially in busy urban centers. L-Charge was founded to tackle this head-on. By using cleaner fuels like natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and even hydrogen, L-Charge provides a complete, off-grid charging solution that requires no initial infrastructure investment from its clients. This means rapid deployment without the typical construction delays and grid connection hassles.
How the Off-Grid System Works: Simple and Fast
“If a customer has an 8.5-foot by 30-foot space to park a trailer, they can have an L-Charge EV charging station up and running in just a few hours, even in remote locations,” explains Dmitry Lashin, CEO of L-Charge. “Our team delivers a trailer equipped with a battery pack and a natural gas-powered generator. We can supply the fuel via gas canisters (a ‘virtual pipeline’) or connect directly to an existing natural gas line. Once the trailer is in place, secured, and fueled, charging can begin with the push of a button.”
Flexible Charging to Meet Every Need
L-Charge’s system is designed to be both scalable and adaptable. Each 180kW charger has two charging connectors (guns). These can be configured to provide 90kW to two vehicles simultaneously or deliver a rapid 180kW charge to a single vehicle. With the ability to generate 4.32MW of power in 24 hours, the system can easily handle the demands of large EV fleets, such as those used by taxi services, delivery companies, and even operators of heavy-duty electric trucks. Furthermore, businesses can add more charging trailers as their needs grow, and the trailers can be easily relocated if needed. For example, two 180kW trailers can power four guns at 90kW, two at 180kW, or a single gun at a powerful 360kW.
A Greener Approach to EV Charging
L-Charge’s technology also offers significant environmental benefits. Compared to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles, their natural gas-powered charging is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 34% to 43%. This is a crucial advantage for fleet operators looking to reduce their carbon footprint as they transition to electric vehicles. In addition, the system reduces carbon monoxide emissions by around 90% and nitrogen oxides and non-methane organic gases by about 60% compared to conventional vehicles.
Alto Benefits from Cost Savings and Rapid Expansion
By using L-Charge’s CaaS model, Alto avoids the significant capital costs and delays associated with building traditional charging infrastructure. This frees up resources for fleet expansion and improvements to the customer experience. The rapid deployment of L-Charge’s off-grid stations—in a matter of weeks, not months—helps Alto maintain its growth trajectory and provide reliable, ultra-fast charging to its customers.
Los Angeles Next on the List
Following its successful rollout in Dallas, Alto plans to bring L-Charge’s technology to its operations in Los Angeles. This move will further support Alto’s expansion and reinforce its commitment to sustainable urban transportation.
What the Leaders Say
- Dmitry Lashin, CEO of L-Charge: “We’re thrilled to support Alto’s vision of a fully electric, luxury ride-sharing service. Our off-grid solutions are designed to address the unique challenges of scaling EV infrastructure quickly and sustainably, making us an ideal partner for Alto’s ambitious growth plans.”
- Will Coleman, CEO of Alto: “L-Charge’s solution has been a game-changer for us financially. By eliminating upfront costs, we’ve been able to redirect funds to rapidly expand our fleet and meet the growing demand for our services.”
