Coca-Cola and NRG eVgo Join Forces to Cut California Emissions
Electric vehicle charging station partnership supports Governor Brown’s zero-emission vehicle goals
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with NRG eVgo, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., to join Governor Jerry Brown’s call to have 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California’s roads by 2025. Coca-Cola will provide electric vehicle (EV) charging at seven of its facilities across California. eVgo will install and manage the charging stations to provide workplace charging for Coca-Cola employees with EVs.
Coca-Cola is participating in the eVgo Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program to support their employees’ sustainable choices. The REV program provides qualified workplaces with turn-key EV charging solutions, including charger operation, maintenance and driver support 24 hours a day. The Level 2 chargers, dedicated for the use of individuals working at the location, are compatible with all EVs. With over 100 fast charge stations currently installed across California, drivers who sign-up for eVgo workplace charging can also select to have access to the extensive and growing eVgo fast charge network which is able to charge most EVs with a fast charge port in 30 minutes or less.
“Coca-Cola has partnered with NRG eVgo to leap forward in providing this needed amenity to our workforce in California,” said Richard Crowther, Director of Sustainability & Environmental Affairs for Coca-Cola. “Drivers across the state are choosing to drive electric and our partnership with NRG eVgo facilitates our employees joining this transportation revolution.”
Both Coca-Cola and NRG Energy are a part of the Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge, which encourages companies to offer workplace charging outlets to associates. The eVgo partnership is an expansion of Coca-Cola’s employee-driven EV program, piloted at the company’s Atlanta site. In 2012, Coca-Cola partnered with the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative (PEVC), a statewide organization focused on accelerating the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), to meet California’s economic, energy and environmental goals.
At the beginning of September, the number of EVs on California roads topped 100,000. This milestone is a major accomplishment for California policymakers, business leaders and residents and is proof positive that demand for EVs is on the rise. As the world’s 8th largest economy, California has a real opportunity to lead the world in clean air and emissions reductions.
“By providing workplace charging, Coca-Cola showcases its industry leadership in corporate sustainability and demonstrates how Fortune 500 companies can be both profitable and socially responsible,” said Terry O’Day, Vice President of NRG eVgo in California. “Joining forces with forward-thinking partners like Coca-Cola makes building a comprehensive charging network in California possible while helping the state ramp up its clean transportation resources. As this network is built out, it will make buying an EV attractive to even more drivers across California.”
The eVgo chargers will be located at Coca-Cola campuses in Sacramento, Coachella, Downey, Sylmar, downtown Los Angeles as well as two facilities in San Leandro. The eVgo network is designed to support EV drivers whenever and wherever they choose to charge - at single-family or apartment residences, at work, on the road, or even at the airport.
For more information about having EV charging installed at a corporate property, visit nrgeVgo.com.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 17 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
About NRG eVgo
The NRG eVgoSM 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 or workplace charger and use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites and other public charging stations. 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
Public Affairs and Communications
Northern
California Market Unit
Claudia López, 925-830-6995
cllopez@coca-cola.com
or
NRG
eVgo
Communications
Carly Kade, 713-819-2550
carly.kade@nrgenergy.com
Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released December 2, 2014