Off-Grid Charging Site Begins Operation in California
A U.S. startup named PowerStation Charging has activated a new high-speed EV charging facility in California that operates without any connection to the public electricity grid. The site is also temporarily offered at no cost to users.
Solar Generation and Large-Scale Storage System
The station is positioned near the I-15 corridor at Baker, California (Rasor Road exit) and relies entirely on renewable generation. Power is supplied by approximately 1,080 photovoltaic panels, which feed energy into a system capable of delivering up to 640 kW.
Energy is stored in a large buffer system rated at 3.4 MWh, allowing the facility to operate continuously, including nighttime hours and low-sunlight conditions. This setup enables a fully independent charging cycle without external grid support.
A recent user test was recorded by content creator Scott Allison, who charged a Kia EV9 on-site and documented the experience in a public video.
Charging Capacity and Infrastructure Expansion Plans
The current configuration includes four CCS1 charging points sharing a combined output of 360 kW. According to the company, this setup is designed to distribute power dynamically depending on how many vehicles are connected at the same time.
When only one vehicle is charging, it can access the full available output. If multiple cars are plugged in simultaneously, the capacity is divided among them.
The company also plans to expand the site by adding six additional NACS connectors later in the summer. Once completed, total shared output is expected to rise to around 600 kW.
Additional Facilities and User Experience Concept
Beyond charging infrastructure, the project includes plans for an underground structure of roughly 8,000 square feet, which will feature rest areas and restroom facilities.
The operator states that no mobile application, membership program, or authentication system is required to initiate charging sessions. During the promotional phase, charging remains completely free until May 31, 2026.
After that date, pricing is expected to fluctuate between $0.30 and $0.45 per kWh, influenced by usage levels and solar production conditions.
Expansion Pipeline Along Major Highways
PowerStation Charging has outlined further development plans along major transportation routes in the western United States. A second installation along I-15 near Barstow is scheduled to open within the year.
Two additional stations are planned for deployment in 2027, one along Interstate 10 and another along Interstate 8, extending the network across key desert highway corridors.
Growing Trend of Solar-Battery Charging Networks
The project reflects a broader shift toward renewable-powered EV infrastructure combined with stationary storage systems.
A comparable example is Tesla’s large-scale charging site in Lost Hills, California, which integrates solar arrays and battery storage to support high-volume charging operations. That facility uses roughly 11 MW of solar capacity paired with multiple grid-scale battery units totaling 39 MWh, enabling service for more than 100 vehicles at once.
These developments suggest that fully self-sufficient charging hubs may become more common, especially in regions with abundant solar resources and long-distance highway travel demand.
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