San Diego Padres Installing 20 EV Chargers for 2025 Season in Partnership with XLR8 America

Big news for San Diego Padres baseball fans and electric vehicle (EV) owners alike—EV charging is coming to Petco Park for the 2025 MLB season! Through a new partnership with locally-based XLR8 America, the Padres are installing 20 EV chargers to the Parkade parking facility, located at the corner of 10th Avenue and J Street, just steps from the iconic stadium.

Padres Parkade is an impressive ten-story, 1,130-space parking structure in downtown San Diego, California. It is one of the official parking lots of the San Diego Padres baseball team, and also serves as a parking facility for fans and event attendees at San Diego’s Petco Park.

EV Adoption Growing Fast in the US

In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market, the demand for fast, efficient, and accessible charging solutions has never been more urgent. With the surge in EV adoption, it’s clear that we’re on the cusp of a transformative shift toward more sustainable transportation. The latest data from 2024 underscores this shift: EV and hybrid vehicle sales reached 20% of all new car and truck sales in the U.S. for the first time, according to CNBC.

Sales of 1.9 million hybrid vehicles, including plug-in models, and 1.3 million all-electric models demonstrate the increasing consumer preference for greener vehicles. Even more striking, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles now account for less than 80% of new sales—falling under the 80% mark for the first time in modern automotive history. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, especially in terms of EV infrastructure.

Frank O’Connor, CEO of XLR8 America, spoke about the fast growth of EV adoption in America, “The EV revolution isn’t coming; it’s here. We’re seeing unprecedented growth in EV adoption, and XLR8 America is committed to providing the charging infrastructure necessary to support this electrifying shift,” said O’Connor.

A Sustainable Move for Petco Park and the Padres

Petco Park, renowned for its scenic views and top-tier fan experience, is no stranger to sustainability efforts. In fact, it was the first National League stadium to be powered by 100% renewable and carbon-free energy, and the Padres continue to integrate eco-conscious measures into the fan experience. With the addition of EV chargers, the stadium further solidifies its commitment to environmental responsibility.

The chargers will be located on the ground level of the Parkade parking structure, which will remain accessible to fans during events beyond just Padres games. These chargers will be available year-round, including during concerts, special events, and any time the Parkade is open to the public.

“We are proud to partner with XLR8 America to further our environmental and sustainability efforts at Petco Park and the Ballpark District,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner. “By installing EV chargers in the Padres Parkade, we are providing another convenient option for fans with electric or hybrid vehicles to commute to Padres games and special events at the ballpark.”

The chargers are expected to be operational later in the 2025 season, offering an additional reason for EV owners to make Petco Park their go-to destination.

XLR8 America: Revolutionizing EV Charging Solutions

XLR8 America, the EV charging systems solution provider behind this installation, will bring 20 commercial-grade chargers to the ballpark, providing fans with a convenient way to charge their electric vehicles. In addition to the chargers themselves, the Padres’ partnership with XLR8 America extends to a new season-long sponsorship deal. This includes stadium signage, fan seat upgrades, VIP on-field experiences, and even displays in Gallagher Square, Petco Park’s dynamic event space.

Frank O’Connor, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with the San Diego Padres to enhance their corporate sustainability efforts and fan experience and further introduce XLR8 America to the San Diego business community.”

XLR8 America’s “Owned and Operated” Charging as a Service (CaaS) program requires no upfront capital investment from the Padres, while also providing the team with a portion of the revenue generated from charging fees. This program is designed to be a win-win for both businesses and EV drivers by offering an innovative revenue stream for parking facilities while enhancing the electric vehicle experience.

A Step Towards the Future

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, more and more businesses are looking to integrate charging stations to serve their customers, and Petco Park is now leading the way in MLB stadiums.

By introducing these chargers, the Padres and XLR8 America are helping to shape the future of sustainable travel and providing fans with a valuable service. Alan Kahn, XLR8 America’s President of Emerging Markets notes, “Parking garages are evolving beyond simple storage to become mobility hubs offering a range of services. With the rise of electric vehicles, parking facilities are naturally poised to provide essential and reliable charging infrastructure.”

Integrating EV Infrastructure: A Strategic Play for Sports Venues

The San Diego Padres’ integration of 20 EV chargers at Petco Park’s Parkade facility represents a strategic move that extends beyond mere amenity provision. It signals a broader industry trend where sports and entertainment venues are recognizing their potential as key players in the expanding EV infrastructure landscape. By partnering with XLR8 America and leveraging their ‘Owned and Operated’ Charging as a Service (CaaS) model, the Padres are not only enhancing their sustainability credentials but also creating a new revenue stream without upfront capital expenditure.

This installation serves as a case study for other venues considering similar initiatives. The CaaS model, which shares revenue from charging fees, minimizes financial risk while maximizing the long-term value of the infrastructure. The location of the chargers on the ground level of a heavily utilized parking structure further optimizes accessibility, serving both event attendees and the broader community.

As EV adoption continues its exponential growth, venues like Petco Park are positioned to become critical nodes in the charging network. This initiative demonstrates the viability of integrating EV infrastructure into existing facilities, offering a blueprint for how sports and entertainment venues can adapt to the evolving transportation landscape while enhancing the customer experience.

XLR8 America is Pioneering Scalable EV Charging Solutions

XLR8 America’s partnership with the San Diego Padres underscores its position as a leading innovator in the EV charging solutions sector. Their CaaS program is designed to address the challenges of deploying and managing EV infrastructure, offering a turnkey solution that reduces financial and operational barriers for clients. By handling all aspects of the charging process, XLR8 America enables venues like Petco Park to focus on their core operations while capitalizing on the growing demand for EV charging.

O’Connor adds, “CaaS is more than just providing charging stations; it’s about delivering a complete, hassle-free charging experience. We handle everything from design, installation and maintenance to operation and revenue management, allowing our partners to focus on their core business.”

The company’s goal to deploy 30,000 EV charging ports by 2027 reflects its commitment to scaling EV infrastructure across the United States. This ambitious target highlights the company’s strategic vision and its ability to deliver comprehensive charging solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market.

XLR8 America’s mission is to create a sustainable and profitable ecosystem for EV charging. By partnering with top-tier technology providers and focusing on operational efficiency, the company is driving the adoption of EV infrastructure and shaping the future of mobility. Their work with the Padres serves as a strong example of how innovative business models can accelerate the transition to electric transportation.