Megawatt Charging System Technology Project (MCS-TP)
Summary
SCH Number
2024041175
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Megawatt Charging System Technology Project (MCS-TP)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/26/2024
Document Description
WattEV will develop, manufacture, install, and test a compact and high-powered alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) converter, which will power both Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) dispensers for medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) electric vehicle charging, and adopting staff's determination that this action is exempt from CEQA. The innovative design will connect directly to a medium voltage grid, eliminating the need for separate step-down transformers and switchgears and accelerating utility interconnection by connecting directly to utility's medium voltage distribution lines.
Contact Information
Name
Andrew Alvarez
Agency Name
CA Energy Commission
Job Title
Commission Agreement Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Michael Ganny
Agency Name
WattEV, Inc
Job Title
Administrator
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Name
Marcelo Barros
Agency Name
WattEV, Inc
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Long Beach
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
2406 Pier A Way
Zip
90802
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Codes & Regulations lit 14, Section 15301, 15303, 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15301 Existing Facilities provides that the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features which involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the responsible agency's determination, are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project involves installation of three prototypes of the WattEV, Inc s liquid-cooled Solid-State Transformers along with nine (9) Combined Charging Systems and three (3) Megawatt Charging Systems dispensers. The MCS/CCS dispensers powered by the SST cabinet will have a narrow and efficient footprint that has been condensed into a single, prefabricated modular system. This project involves no expansion of existing and former use of the site. Therefore, this project is exempt under California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301 and will not have a significant effect on the environment. Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, sec. 15303 provides that projects which consist of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure, are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project consists of installation of new equipment added as a modular charging island to an existing site. Each modular charging island, similar to a convectional gas station pumping island, will be installed as a single pre-wired unit, with one (1) MCS 1.26MW dispenser and three (3) 420kW CCS dispensers per island. Three such prefabricated systems, totaling three (3) MCS dispensers, nine (9) CCS dispensers, and three (3) SST cabinets will be fabricated and deployed for the project. Each MCS-TP system will be installed in a pull-through charging design, similar to a standard commercial fuel station. Therefore, the project falls within section 15303 and will not have a significant effect on the environment. Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, sect. 15304 provides that projects which consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project involves installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in a lot to be paved and the work will not involve the removal of any trees. Therefore, this project is exempt under California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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