AXIS IOS Quickly Launches Fleet-Dedicated EV Charging Depot Near Downtown Los Angeles

The long wait times to install charging, up to several years in some cases, has been an ongoing problem for fleet electrification in the U.S. This has slowed the adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles. AXIS IOS seems to have solved that problem. AXIS IOS is a real estate investment platform that acquires, develops, and manages Industrial Outdoor Storage (“IOS”) throughout the United States. In March 2024, the company announced its first electric vehicle (“EV”) charging facility in Vernon, California. The site was completed very quickly, within a few months. This is a significant development for fleet electrification. Fleet orders for medium-duty electric vehicles grew an incredible 640% in 2022, according to GNA.

AXIS IOS Launches its Inaugural EV Charging Facility in Vernon, California

AXIS IOS, a forward-thinking real estate investment platform, is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by launching its inaugural EV charging facility in Vernon, California. Strategically situated a mere half-mile from four major Interstate freeways (5, 10, 110, and the 710), the facility is ideally located in a key freight corridor that serves the bustling ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This area is a nexus for distribution centers engaged in last-mile delivery operations. The new site is specifically designed to cater to local fleet clients, focusing on those utilizing medium-duty and light-duty vehicles within the Los Angeles region. With a capacity for 42 vehicles, the facilities include 34 Level 2 chargers and 8 Level 3 DC fast chargers.

One of the standout features of the Vernon charging facility is its competitive utility rates, which are, on average, 8-10% lower than those in surrounding areas, providing an economic advantage to fleet operators. This development comes at a crucial time as the market has witnessed a 640% increase in orders for medium-duty electric vehicles from fleets in 2022, coupled with upcoming stringent regulations like the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule in California and the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule across 14 states and the District of Columbia. These trends underscore a critical demand for adequate charging infrastructure to support the burgeoning fleet of electric vehicles. AXIS IOS is addressing this emerging need by pioneering in the real estate sector to facilitate the EV transition, with the Vernon facility marking a significant milestone in this endeavor.

This site is part of the trend towards private, “behind-the-fence” EV charging depots designed with fleets in mind—including those local businesses engaged in last-mile delivery. Recognizing the unique needs of this sector, AXIS IOS worked closely with Vernon Public Utilities, the city’s locally owned utility, from the initial design drawing submittals to the delivery of power to the site, ensuring that the facility not only meets but exceeds the current demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This collaborative effort between AXIS IOS and Vernon Public Utilities highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition to electric vehicle usage, especially in logistics and delivery services. Thanks to this effective collaboration, AXIS IOS’s EV charging facility was operational within several months, setting a precedent for rapid development and implementation in the burgeoning field of EV infrastructure.

“Vernon is excited to support local businesses as they transition towards the electrification of their fleets,” said Margie Otto, Assistant General Manager of Vernon Public Utilities. “Partners like AXIS IOS are helping show that our city is prepared for the electric future and ready to support the transition to electrification.”

The Vernon site is available to lease for businesses looking to serve the Los Angeles area immediately, and fleets are encouraged to reach out if they’re interested.

“Many fleets in California have ambitious ESG goals and ZEV compliance requirements. However, they grapple with the cost, delays, siting, and power procurement challenges associated with charging infrastructure. Our Vernon site provides a solution, enabling the swift deployment of electric vehicles (EVs),” says Joe Killefer, Partner, AXIS IOS. “Through a typical triple-net real estate lease, we simplify and expedite the process, allowing fleets to treat charging as an operating cost rather than a complex capital investment.”

Building on the success of its Vernon facility, AXIS IOS is ambitiously expanding its footprint in the realm of EV charging infrastructure. The company is leveraging its amassed expertise to inaugurate further sites, notably marking an advanced step with a project slated for early 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. This upcoming site is ambitiously designed to cater to the charging and storage needs of 62 commercial electric vehicles. By strategically selecting Newark, a hub for logistics and transportation on the East Coast, AXIS IOS aims to address the critical demand for EV charging solutions in areas with dense commercial activity. This initiative not only underlines AXIS IOS’s commitment to facilitating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles but also sets a new benchmark for the integration of EV infrastructure into commercial fleets, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the logistics sector.

AXIS IOS is a visionary real estate investment platform fully capitalized to strategically acquire, develop, and manage Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) spaces across the United States. In an era where e-commerce is experiencing unprecedented growth, the demand for strategically located Industrial Outdoor Storage facilities has skyrocketed. Urban properties are becoming more scarce, and in response, AXIS IOS is focusing its efforts on securing these vital properties. Their mission is to support clients in maintaining efficient and resilient supply chain logistics, a crucial component in the fast-paced e-commerce sector. By targeting mission-critical properties, AXIS IOS plays a pivotal role in ensuring that businesses can keep pace with the demands of a rapidly expanding digital marketplace. GNA applauded the historic achievement by AXIS IOS.