Electric vehicle (EV) drivers visiting downtown Tucson can now get a quick charge from two new fast-charging stations installed last week in front of TEP’s headquarters at 88 E. Broadway.

TEP received approval from Park Tucson, the city’s parking manager, to install two Enel X DC fast-charging stations that can recharge the average EV in less than an hour. The chargers were purchased by TEP.

“There weren’t any fast-charging stations in the area,” said Camila Martins-Bekat, TEP External Affairs Representative. “These chargers provide a much-needed convenience for EV owners while promoting the use of clean transportation and supporting downtown businesses.”

The chargers are situated between three parking spaces in front of TEP Headquarters so that any two EVs in those spaces can use them. The parking spaces are designated for EVs only, with one-hour meters that create opportunities for other EV owners to plug in for a quick charge.

Each charger has a single port with two adapter cables to accommodate most EV models. Tesla EV owners can use the Enel X charger adaptors that came with their vehicles.

The chargers are free to use, compliments of TEP, which funded their purchase and installation and provides the electricity to power them.

TEP has supported transportation electrification by helping the City of Tucson, the Sun Tran public transit system and local schools purchase EVs for their fleets and install chargers. TEP also purchased emission-free electric shuttles for use through Sabino Canyon and is increasing the number of EVs in its corporate fleet.

“It’s important that we lead by example and help remove some of the barriers to EV adoption,” said Dallas Dukes, Vice President of Customer Experience, Programs and Pricing. “Developing an infrastructure for electric transportation is essential with the number of EVs on the road increasing.”