EVPassport, Viejas, and Maada’oozh Team Up to Create North America's Largest EV Charging Super Hub

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the transportation industry with their eco-friendly and cost-effective advantages. As more people make the switch to EVs, the demand for reliable and convenient charging stations continues to grow. That's why EVPassport, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indian Tribe, and Maada’oozh have announced an exciting partnership to develop the largest EV charging super hub in North America.

The Viejas Charging Superhub, located at the Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California, will feature an impressive 410 Level 2 chargers and 8 dual-port DC Fast Chargers. This state-of-the-art facility will not only cater to the resort's customers but also provide essential charging services to motorists traveling on Interstate 8, a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor in California that connects San Diego and Phoenix, Arizona.

The decision to move forward with this groundbreaking project was approved by the Viejas Tribal Council, led by Chairman John Christman, in late August 2023. According to Erich Hans, Viejas Director of Treasury and Chief Financial Officer, the tribe sees this initiative as a crucial step in addressing the climate and energy crisis while meeting the growing demand for EV charging options.

Maada’oozh, a Native-Owned Distribution, Logistics, and Maintenance company specializing in sustainable energy solutions, played a pivotal role in the development of the project. The company's General Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer, Dr. Craig Reiter, emphasized their commitment to supporting Native American Tribes and working towards sustainable and renewable energy goals. The collaboration between Maada’oozh, Viejas, and EVPassport aligns with their shared values and vision.

EVPassport, the leading EV charging network in the nation, brings its expertise to the table. Hooman Shahidi, the CEO of EVPassport, emphasized the importance of private sector investment in expanding the charging infrastructure. He believes that this super hub will not only benefit the guests of the Viejas resort but also the thousands of commuters who rely on the I-8 corridor every day. By partnering with Viejas and Maada’oozh, EVPassport aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs and build an extensive and reliable charging network across the country.

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts. In addition to the EV Charging Superhub, they have also embarked on a solar PV and Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) microgrid project. This microgrid will power the tribe's casino, hotels, restaurants, and outlet center while offsetting millions of tons of carbon emissions from the power grid. The microgrid will also provide resilience during Public Safety Power Shut-off events, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Maada’oozh, with its expertise in sustainable energy solutions, has been a key player in supporting Native American Tribes, the US Military, and customers seeking sustainable energy alternatives. With over 24 years of experience, Maada’oozh is well-equipped to contribute to the success of the EV Charging Superhub project.

EVPassport, backed by Northleaf Capital Partners, has established itself as a reliable EV charging network provider. Their cutting-edge technology and commitment to customer satisfaction have attracted high-profile clients, including Viejas Casino and Resort, Aqua Caliente Casinos, Brookfield, Hilton, Marriott, LaSalle, JLL, and InterPark.

The collaboration between EVPassport, Viejas, and Maada’oozh represents a significant milestone in the advancement of EV infrastructure. As the largest EV charging super hub in North America, this project will not only meet the growing demand for charging stations but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.

With the expected completion of the Viejas Charging Superhub in the spring of 2024, EV owners can look forward to an enhanced charging experience and continued support for their eco-friendly lifestyle. The partnership between these three companies sets a powerful example for the private sector's role in driving sustainable solutions and supporting Native American Tribes in their pursuit of a greener future.