Related Articles
-Editorial
A major step toward a greener future was taken in Calexico with the unveiling of the region’s first medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. Located at Crossroads Plaza (Food4Less area), the facility is designed to support commercial freight, local EV drivers, and cross-border commerce, making it a significant addition to Imperial Valley’s growing sustainable infrastructure.
Liz Perez, CEO and Co-Founder of Veteran Energy Services Company, the veteran-owned renewable energy development firm behind the project, emphasized the hub’s impact.
“This isn’t just another charging station,” Perez said. “This is the first medium- and heavy-duty EV charging station in Calexico—and we believe the first of its kind in the region.”
The hub features four 180-kilowatt DC fast chargers for rapid charging, along with four Level 2 chargers for convenient top-ups. To further support commercial freight and enhance the hub’s impact in the Imperial Valley, plans are in place to add 400-kilowatt chargers, making this a key infrastructure development for the region’s growing EV network.
The hub was being developed by Veteran Energy Services Company (VESCO), a joint venture between GC Green and Xnergy. GC Green, founded by veterans, is committed to bringing renewable energy solutions to underserved communities, particularly in the Imperial Valley.
Perez outlined why the project is critical to the region.
“This hub will drive economic growth by attracting EV drivers and boosting local businesses, reduce emissions for cleaner air and a healthier community, and strengthen cross-border commerce,” she said.
The project was made possible with funding from the CalEVIP Inland Counties Incentive Project and the Golden State Priority Project, initiatives aimed at expanding EV infrastructure in underserved regions.
Perez also credited her team and co-founders—Rick Halperin, Jason Davis, and Joey Patalano—for their expertise and dedication in making the project a reality. She also recognized Anthony Buescher of Service Electrical Systems, who led the electrical work as part of VESCO’s commitment to veteran empowerment through sustainable energy.
“As we cut this ribbon today, we’re not just celebrating new chargers—we’re celebrating what’s possible when communities come together,” Perez said. “The future is electrifying!”
Luis Loa, Operations Manager at Bali Express Services, highlighted the significance of the project and the growing shift toward electric vehicles in the trucking industry.
“More than just EV chargers, we are a trucking company based in San Diego, operating between San Diego, Tijuana, and Long Beach,” Loa said. “In 2021, with the new California regulations, we began exploring options for non-emission vehicles, which led us to adopt electric trucks. These are day cabs, and we are working closely with charger companies to improve efficiency in charging infrastructure.”
One of the primary challenges, Loa explained, is charging time. “A regular charge can take up to six hours to go from 10% to 100%,” he said. “Right now, charger companies are developing faster charging solutions that can fully charge a truck in just 40 minutes. The technology being implemented here in Calexico is part of that progress.”
Beyond local initiatives, Loa emphasized the growing role of electric trucks in cross-border transportation. “We were the first company in the entire country to complete a border crossing with an electric vehicle in April 2024,” he noted. “While other companies have yet to follow, we encourage trucking companies to join this new era of cleaner and more efficient transportation.”
Loa acknowledged the challenges, particularly the lack of incentives in Mexico compared to California’s grant programs. However, he remains optimistic about future developments. “Even without widespread support, we encourage truckers to make the switch,” he said. “There are many grants available in California, and we are working on ways to promote similar initiatives in Mexico.”
Jeff Roman, landlord and manager of Crossroads Plaza, emphasized the importance of this development.
“As an electric car user myself, I think this is something that has been needed in this community for a long time,” Roman said. “It will serve us well, not just for the local community but for travelers passing through. The strategic location is perfect—right before you hit the border and far from many other charging stations.”
Roman also highlighted the unique aspect of the project: its focus on semi-trucks.
“I love the fact that they are catering to semi-trucks, something I have never seen before,” he said. “It’s motivating for everyone to get on board with this trend.”
The revitalization of Crossroads Plaza has been a key focus for Roman and his team.
“When we took over the center, it was mostly vacant. We invested heavily, provided incentives for national tenants, and brought in businesses that the community needed,” he explained. “Now, we have Popeyes, Wingstop, AT&T, and other major brands like Subway, Starbucks, and Little Caesars. Adding EV charging stations is another step toward making this center more convenient and beneficial for both businesses and the community.”
Chaevi, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is expanding its presence in North America. Partnering with GC Green and VESCO, the company aims to drive sustainability while fostering business development in the region.
“We’ve partnered with GC Green and VESCO to expand the EV footprint, bringing more sustainability to the market while also driving business development and growth,” said Jun Oh, Chief Operating Officer of Chaevi.
Originally founded in Korea, Chaevi has been expanding rapidly, having established its U.S. legal entity just two and a half years ago. The company is now scaling its operations with fleet and OEM partnerships while also preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in Q3 of this year.
“We’re growing exponentially, and this will be a very exciting year for us,” Oh added.
