In a significant development, the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in the United States is poised for transformation. A new contender supported by Google is emerging in the EV charging industry, challenging the dominance of Tesla.
Gravity, an EV charging startup with backing from Google Ventures, has recently unveiled its inaugural public charging location in a parking facility on West 42nd Street in Manhattan. The company proudly proclaims that this charging location offers the “fastest EV charging in America.” Gravity’s charging stalls are reported to be capable of delivering a remarkable peak power rate of 500 kilowatts, enabling the addition of 200 miles of range in just five minutes, or an astounding 2,400 miles over the span of an hour of charging. This extraordinary level of charging could theoretically facilitate a journey from New York to Phoenix on a single charge.
It is important to note that while most currently available EVs cannot accommodate a 500 kW charging rate, and no existing EV battery has the capacity to cover 2,400 miles on a single charge, this level of power represents the potential for vehicles to charge at the fastest attainable rate. Furthermore, Gravity’s charging system is designed to adapt to future advancements in EV battery technology.
The newly inaugurated charging location features 24 charging stalls, on-site attendants available seven days a week, and a user-friendly tap-and-pay interface with an overhead charger cable setup for added convenience. Although Tesla’s Supercharger network currently holds the distinction of being the fastest and most expansive charging network in the country, the availability of additional fast chargers such as those offered by Gravity is critical in addressing charging times and range anxiety, thereby facilitating the transition to electric vehicles.
Despite Tesla’s lead in the charging infrastructure, Gravity’s recent support from Google Ventures positions the start-up to rapidly expand its network. Gravity’s CEO, Moshe Cohen, conveyed to Reuters that with the backing of Google Ventures, the company is well-positioned to match or even surpass the rate at which Tesla is adding Superchargers to its network.
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles presents a significant opportunity to combat air pollution. Conventional gasoline-powered cars emit over 10,000 pounds of carbon pollution annually, contributing to the annual global emission of approximately 3.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide from passenger vehicles. These emissions are significant contributors to the escalating global climate crisis, leading to extreme weather events and their devastating impact on our environment, food supply, and wildlife.
In this context, the efforts of companies like Gravity, Tesla, Rivian, and others are crucial in addressing air pollution. Transitioning to an EV, utilizing public transportation, and embracing alternative modes of travel such as cycling are all meaningful steps in the fight against climate change.
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