Greenlane Launches "Charge On Us" Program to Boost EV Truck Adoption

Greenlane has introduced the "Charge On Us" dealer program to tackle the challenges faced by commercial electric vehicle (EV) truck buyers in locating charging stations. The program provides users with 500 dollars in charging credits and a six-month free subscription to the Greenlane Edge platform, aiming to streamline the purchase of new electric vehicles by addressing a significant obstacle: determining where to charge.

The program includes a charging credit that dealers can apply to truck sales and transfer to customers. Additionally, customers will receive a one-year subscription to the charging network, effectively granting them 'Gold' member discounts. The focus is on the total cost of ownership, which is significantly influenced by the initial investment costs.

Velocity Truck Centers, one of the largest truck dealer networks in North America, with locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Canada, is the first dealer to join the program. This collaboration allows dealers to support customers in launching electric truck pilot projects without waiting six months to install charging infrastructure.

The program also addresses a less-discussed issue: many companies operate from leased spaces, making it financially unviable to invest in charging infrastructure. Companies with seven-year lease agreements are unlikely to invest two years in building infrastructure, especially if they may not be operating from the same location in a few years.

While some fleet operators prefer dedicated charging facilities, Greenlane believes public charging infrastructure offers significant advantages, particularly as fleet sizes grow. This is crucial as manufacturers plan to release trucks supporting megawatt-level charging in the coming years, requiring much more power than current models.

The launch of the "Charge On Us" program coincides with Greenlane's ongoing expansion of its charging network. The company's network includes a flagship charging center in Colton, California, with plans to build new facilities along the I-10 interstate in Blythe, California, and the greater Phoenix area. The Colton facility features 41 charging stations with 82 charging ports, while the upcoming Blythe station will have around 100 parking spots designed for highway charging needs rather than overnight parking. These stations will also offer amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security.

Greenlane, a public charging infrastructure company, is part of a joint venture with partners including BlackRock, Daimler Truck, and NextEra Energy Resources. The company's efforts to expand its charging network and support dealers in promoting electric trucks highlight its commitment to advancing the adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial sector.