Sunspeed Enterprises is developing The Pacific Coast SunTrail Route, a first of its kind, strategic network of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station hubs along scenic Pacific Coast Highway in California.

With more than 140,000 plug-in vehicles on the road today[1], and with half of them riding on California streets and highways[2], the need for an integrated network of charging stations is apparent and will only grow stronger.

"The time to build and effectively market a strategic EV charging route in rural, hard-to-reach places, is now," said Richard Sachen, Jr., CEO of Sunspeed Enterprises.

"Most of our competition is focused on high population centers where large clusters of people live and work, and consequently, they do not have the bandwidth to start alternative routes, but that is where we come in. If you drive an EV and want to get near the ocean and experience the coastal beauty of California, Sunspeed can get you there."

Rather than follow the crowd, Sunspeed Enterprises is laying the EV groundwork for one of the most picturesque, rural routes in all of California, the beautiful and breathtaking stretch of coastal roads and highways between Malibu and Eureka.

"Our network of charging station hubs is designed to allow EV drivers to enjoy the beauty of the California Coast while leaving the grass as green, the sun as golden, and the sky as blue as they found it," continued Sachen.

"Market research steadily shows strong consumer appetite for plug-ins and a manufacturer base that continues to add to their plug-in roster of vehicles. When we combine these factors with the numerous state and federal rebates available, we have a tremendous opportunity to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly system of driving."

According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, California is leading the nation in clean vehicle adoption with more plug-in electric vehicles on its roadways than any other state and some 3,000 new vehicles joining them each month.

The initial stage of The Pacific Coast SunTrail Route will consist of 30 to 40 EV charging station hubs between Malibu and Eureka.

The first hub, at Point Reyes Station in Northern California, opened earlier this year, and six additional sites are expected to come online in the fall. Among the recently identified sites, the St. Orres Hotel in Gualala, The Town of Duncan Mills, and the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.

"One of the main concerns cited by EV drivers is range anxiety and we are working to eliminate that altogether by clustering our charging station hubs 15 to 20 miles apart," said Pierre Kacsinta, Marketing Manager at Sunspeed Enterprises.

"Even though the automotive industry has made considerable strides in developing long range batteries, that in some cases can travel up to 250 miles on a full charge, the EV driver will require charging hubs that are as convenient and as accessible as traditional gas stations."

"We have been highly selective in determining site locations for our EV charging hubs," added Sachen. "We look for pedestrian friendly locations that can offer dining and entertainment opportunities while you charge your EV. Currently, most of our anticipated hubs will be centered in downtowns, near hotels, restaurants, and resorts."

SunTrail Charging Hubs will include:

+ Level-2 AC (220v) medium speed charging stations

+ Level-3 DC (480v) fast charging stations (delivers full charge in 1/2 an hour)

+ Compatible with any Electric Vehicle (CHAdeMO and SAE)

+ 100% renewable energy source

+ Credit and debit card payment options

+ RFID reader

+ 24" LCD display

+ Smart phone payment processing

+ 24/7 security and emergency call button

+ LED lighting with motion detection

+ Solar PV panels (where feasible)

+ Weather protection