Long-Lewis Auto Group has deployed ADS-TEC Energy's battery-buffered ultra-fast charging platform ChargeBox at several of its Ford dealerships in Alabama.
The dealerships include Long-Lewis Ford of Hoover, Long-Lewis Ford of the River Region and Long-Lewis Ford of the Shoals. Available for public use at the dealership locations, the solution allows EV drivers in Alabama to charge their vehicles in just minutes at locations previously underserved by EV infrastructure.
The ADS-TEC Energy ChargeBox platform’s battery-buffered technology enables widespread, ultra-fast charging (up to 320kW) on existing power-limited grids. Unlike conventional DC chargers, it did not require extensive construction or upgrades to high-powered electrical infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for the Long-Lewis Auto Group to quickly deploy ultra-fast EV chargers.
The Long-Lewis Auto Group has dealerships in Alabama dating back to the 1900s. Across all the Long-Lewis locations, they retail more than 1,500 vehicles a month which the group says makes it 11 times larger than the average dealership.
Through its partnership with Ford, Long-Lewis adds that it is committed to furthering the Ford Power Promise, making EV ownership easy by supporting customers in the areas that matter to them the most.
“At the Long-Lewis Auto Group, there is nothing more important than our community – including our employees, current customers, future customers and all Alabama residents. As EV adoption in our state continues to rise, the right charging technology must be installed to support ultra-fast charging requirements. Our customers cannot wait hours to charge their vehicles and as some of our dealerships are in more rural locations, we cannot afford any grid strain,” said Ryan Ware, general manager, Long-Lewis Ford of the River Region. “ADS-TEC Energy’s ChargeBox is the only EV charger that could support our infrastructure needs. We’re excited to offer this ultra-fast EV charging capability at our dealerships and to provide it to the community.”
Alabama has made major strides to electrify the state. According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, more than US$2bn in EV-related investments have been announced for Alabama, supporting a growing EV supply chain.
“When we first announced our facility in Alabama, we were determined to make ultra-fast EV charging more accessible to drivers throughout the state,” said Jason Powers, vice president, North America, ADS-TEC Energy. “By deploying our ChargeBox solution, the Long-Lewis Auto Group is bringing the capabilities of ultra-fast EV charging to residents across Alabama, reaching areas that to-date have been plagued with little – or no – charging options. We’re honored to collaborate with Alabama’s oldest and largest auto dealer to showcase the state’s growth in EVs and electrification.”