Raley's Supermarkets and NRG eVgo Deliver a First to Bay Area Electric Vehicle Drivers

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go) and Raley's Supermarkets are introducing the first electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station at a retail location in Northern California that features both industry standard fast chargers: CHAdeMO and SAE Combo. Located at Nob Hill supermarket in Mountain View, this Freedom Station® is the first to incorporate the new SAE Combo fast charge standard being introduced on many new EVs at a Northern California retail location.

"NRG eVgo is proud to offer this Northern California EV industry first in partnership with grocery industry leader Raley's.  Now, drivers on the peninsula have reliable and convenient charging at another great Bay Area shopping location as well as access to all industry charging standards," said Terry O'Day, Vice President of NRG eVgo in California. "Together with this Freedom Station, both companies are serving busy families with goods and services that make everyday living easier and healthier."

The Raley's Nob Hill Freedom Station in Mountain View supports all EV drivers; regardless of what kind of electric vehicle they drive and expands the NRG eVgo network to 16 fast charge sites in the Bay Area giving drivers the freedom to comfortably drive electric vehicles throughout the region. 

"We are installing these convenient chargers as a service to our very sustainably-minded customers," said Meg Burritt, Raley's Director of Wellness & Sustainability. "This new opportunity to recharge your EV while shopping for groceries at our store is our way of saying thank you for choosing an EV. Raley's is here to make it easier for you to accomplish your daily tasks in a more convenient way."

All Freedom Station sites currently include CHAdeMO DC fast chargers that can charge an electric vehicle in less than 30 minutes, as well as a standard Level 2 charger to serve EVs that do not have a fast charging option.  By adding SAE Combo DC fast chargers at California Freedom Station locations, eVgo furthers its commitment to support all EV drivers wherever and however they choose to charge.  Most sites are available 24/7, are positioned near retail stores and restaurants to provide the option to shop or eat while charging and are available to area EV drivers through a variety of charging plans or a no subscription pay per use option. 

Raley's Nob Hill store in Mountain View offers customers a variety of ways to make healthy choices for themselves, their families and the environment.

"Our customers' response to the units so far has been positive," said Dan Dodds, Store Team Leader. "They are excited to be able to charge their cars while shopping with us."

About Raley's Family of Fine Stores

Raley's is a privately owned, family operated supermarket chain with headquarters in West Sacramento, CA. The company operates 119 stores in Northern California and Nevada under four banners: Raley's Supermarkets, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source. Raley's was founded in 1935 by Tom Raley and is a major grocery chain best known for high quality products, fresh produce, fine meats and outstanding customer service. Raley's strives to make its customers' lives easier and better by delivering a personalized food shopping experience. For more information, visit www.raleys.com.

About NRG eVgo

The NRG eVgo^SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home charger and unlimited use of eVgo's Freedom Station^® sites – all for one low monthly fee.  eVgo is a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgeVgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgevgo.

CONTACT:
Nicole Townsend
Director, Marketing Communications
916-373-6209
[email protected]

Carly Kade
NRG eVgo Communications
713-819-2550
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140813/135925

SOURCE Raley's Family of Fine Stores