Supercharger - Baker, CA (LIVE / EXPANDED 40 V2 + 20 V3 stalls)

[ddimit]

That's a Power distribution/breaker Cabinet. Takes Power from the transformer 480V 3 phase, feeds it Supe charger cabinets. I expect for a site this size there will be a few of those.

 

[dhanson865]

That is a good start for a list of components to a supercharging station. I am hoping someone could offer us a basic description of each step. We have:

• Transformer
• Distribution Cabinets
• Supercharger Cabinets
  
• Charging Stations ("stalls")
• Then we have what is inside the vehicle itself. If I remember correctly, there is an actual "charger" built into the car, and of course, the battery.

What happened to Cottonwood?

I don't know what happened to Cottonwood but if you look at his account it has very few ratings and lots of posts suggesting he stopped posting just after the forum changed to the new software. It could be unrelated but given the timing I'd guess he didn't like the new software enough to give up TMC?

 

[MorrisonHiker]

I don't know what happened to Cottonwood but if you look at his account it has very few ratings and lots of posts suggesting he stopped posting just after the forum changed to the new software. It could be unrelated but given the timing I'd guess he didn't like the new software enough to give up TMC?

Maybe he was using Tapatalk and can no longer connect?
<ducks>

 

[rhumbliner]

As a non-American, Baker first came to my attention from this article - The first ‘High-Power fast-charging station’ (150-350 kW) is installed by EVgo and ABB right in Tesla’s backyard

ABB has a power conditioning systems & power quality plant in New Berlin, WI (suburb of Milwaukee) where they kindly offer a 50kW DC quickcharger to the public at no cost. However, as the posters on PlugShare can attest, they have been unable to keep that charger functional. I realize it’s a sample size of 1, but if they can’t keep that one up it doesn’t install much confidence in ABB equipment.

 

[cpa]

Here is a non-engineer posing the question about why the power distribution cabinet is buried.

Could it be because of the extreme heat 8+ months of the year in Baker? The temperature in direct sunlight in July can be over 125 degrees. The ground is a fantastic insulator, so perhaps there will be a design around it to keep things much cooler (and provide access).

Again, be gentle if my question is off the charts.

 

[anonim1979]

IMHO it isn't buried only placed on the concrete pad.
Check its shadow.

 

[4SUPER9]

If I recall correctly, something was buried at Culver City as well.

 

[GoTslaGo]

If I recall correctly, something was buried at Culver City as well.

Jimmy Hoffa?

 

[4SUPER9]

Jimmy Hoffa?

Fantastic! Thanks for giving me a great start to my day!

 

[4SUPER9]

Last update was 10 days ago. There must be someone here heading through Baker this weekend. I would love to see what progress they made!

 

[smak]

I am headed past tonight but it'll be dark.

I will see what I can see.

It's ironic there's going to be 40 charging stations in Baker. It has to have some of the highest gas prices in the country

 

[smak]

I couldn't really get much in the dark, but here are a few.

 

[TaoJones]

Jimmy Hoffa?

From the same church, different pew department, Whitey Bulger *was* just down the road from Culver City for decades. Living in plain sight, as it were in Santa Monica.

Meanwhile, while it’s hot in Baker, and we’re talking Gila Bend hot on occasion, I dunno that a vault (underground) is the best call for the SC equipment.

I defer to the infrastructure experts amongst us.

 

[otter]

From the same church, different pew department, Whitey Bulger *was* just down the road from Culver City for decades. Living in plain sight, as it were in Santa Monica.

Meanwhile, while it’s hot in Baker, and we’re talking Gila Bend hot on occasion, I dunno that a vault (underground) is the best call for the SC equipment.

I defer to the infrastructure experts amongst us.

Useful pix. Thanks, @smak!

No infrastructure expert here, but I think I see above-ground power distribution cabinets in the most recent night shots. Anyone else guessing that those regularly spaced round concrete foundations (in line with the oblong charging bollard bases) are too close together and unusually hefty to be light pole foundations? My undereducated guess is overhead solar canopies similar to Kettleman City, which would not be a surprise.

 

[plugzinSD]

I think the speculation about PV panels is likely accurate. Maybe a copy of Kettleman City? Desert temperatures, while significant, would not likely drive Black and Veatch to go subterranean with equipment. It leads to many maintenance issues related to water entry. Even well designed and built equipment often doesn't fare well in that configuration. You'd be surprised how much water can be found in underground vaults, even in very dry environments.

 

[rrosenbl]

I couldn't really get much in the dark, but here are a few.

View attachment 254224 View attachment 254225 View attachment 254226 View attachment 254227

Thanks! What date was your pics taken?

 

[rxlawdude]

This one's gonna be a while...

 

[Cosmacelf]

I think the speculation about PV panels is likely accurate. Maybe a copy of Kettleman City? Desert temperatures, while significant, would not likely drive Black and Veatch to go subterranean with equipment. It leads to many maintenance issues related to water entry. Even well designed and built equipment often doesn't fare well in that configuration. You'd be surprised how much water can be found in underground vaults, even in very dry environments.

I agree too. Looks like PV panel shading is being built. Makes sense for such a large site.

 

[smak]

Thanks! What date was your pics taken?

Oct 15 around 11pm.

 

[callmesam]

I am getting this feeling that two key Supercharger openings in Baker and Kettleman City may enable some city pairs for Tesla Semi announcement on November 15.

190 miles Long Beach to Baker.

195 miles Long Beach to Kettleman City.

180 miles Fremont to Kettleman City.