Case Study: GMG DCFC Station 2501 – Building Resilient EV Infrastructure in Rancho Cucamonga
Project Overview
The GMG DCFC Station 2501 is a high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) fast charging hub proposed for Rancho Cucamonga, California. Spearheaded by Gold Micro Grid (GMG), the project aims to deploy 24 direct current fast chargers (DCFC) capable of delivering 150 kW per port, with a total site output of 4,320 kW. Located in a 24/7 shopping plaza near a designated Disadvantaged Community (DAC), the station is designed to provide equitable access to clean transportation, support California’s climate goals, and serve as a scalable model for future EV infrastructure.
The project was submitted under the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) FAST 2.0 grant program, which funds high-powered, publicly accessible EV charging stations across the state.
Blackstone’s Role: Technical Leadership and Strategic Execution
Blackstone Advanced Systems Inc. (BAS) played a central role in ensuring the technical integrity, regulatory compliance, and strategic execution of the GMG DCFC Station 2501 project. As the designated Project Manager and Technical Advisor, Blackstone’s contributions spanned multiple critical domains:
1. Project Lifecycle Management
Blackstone led the development of the project’s scope of work, ensuring that all technical specifications aligned with FAST 2.0 requirements. This included overseeing charger selection, site layout, power capacity planning, and future-proofing strategies. Their leadership ensured that the infrastructure would support simultaneous 150 kW output per port, exceeding minimum program standards.
2. Regulatory and Code Compliance
With deep expertise in California building codes, environmental regulations, and EV infrastructure standards, Blackstone ensured full compliance with AB 2061, AB 841, and CDFA DMS guidelines. Their oversight guaranteed that all equipment met California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) standards and that installations would be performed by EVITP-certified electricians.
3. Utility Coordination
Blackstone coordinated directly with Southern California Edison (SCE) to initiate the Rule 29 service application, secure transformer upgrades, and align grid integration timelines. Their experience with utility-side planning helped streamline energization and avoid delays.
4. Community Engagement and Outreach
The team engaged with local stakeholders, including the City’s Planning and Building Departments and the Chamber of Commerce. This outreach helped integrate permitting requirements into the project timeline and built public support for the station.
5. Sustainability and Innovation Strategy
Blackstone advised on the integration of solar canopies and a future battery energy storage system (BESS), positioning the site for energy resilience and grid support. Their planning included demand response capabilities, smart charging protocols, and Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compliance for V2G readiness.
6. Operations and Maintenance Planning
Blackstone developed a robust six-year Operations & Maintenance (O&M) strategy to ensure charger uptime, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This included remote monitoring systems, predictive maintenance protocols, and real-time user feedback mechanisms.
Project Impact
The GMG DCFC Station 2501 is expected to deliver significant environmental and social benefits:
GHG Reduction: Estimated to avoid over 1.57 million kg of CO₂ emissions over six years, with a benefit-cost score of 964 grams CO₂e reduction per dollar of CEC investment.
Equity and Access: Located adjacent to a DAC, the station offers affordable charging, public amenities, and outreach programs to promote EV adoption among underserved populations.
Economic Development: The project supports local job creation, workforce training, and business engagement through partnerships with plaza tenants and service providers.
Scalability: Designed for future expansion, the site can accommodate 10 additional DCFC units and integrate renewable energy and storage systems.
Conclusion
Blackstone Advanced Systems Inc. was instrumental in transforming the GMG DCFC Station 2501 from a concept into a technically sound, community-aligned, and future-ready infrastructure project. Their leadership in project management, compliance, utility coordination, and sustainability planning ensured that the station not only met but exceeded the expectations of the FAST 2.0 program.
As California continues to build out its EV charging network, the Rancho Cucamonga deployment stands as a model of how public-private collaboration, technical expertise, and equity-driven planning can deliver lasting impact.
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