HOUSTON —Phillips 66 has signed a letter of intent with FreeWire Technologies in support of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging program in the United States. Phillips 66 plans to expand its base of EV fueling stations by leveraging its retail network of approximately 7,000 U.S. sites under the Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco brands.
The two companies will explore opportunities to deploy FreeWire’s technology at Phillips 66’s stations and other strategic locations. The deal highlights Phillips 66’s commitment to pursue lower-carbon solutions.
“With EV adoption growing, Phillips 66 is working with FreeWire to bring consumers electric fueling stations that meet their expectations for high-speed, on-the-go charging,” said Pam McGinnis, vice president of global marketing at Phillips 66.
“We are thrilled to play a leading role in Phillips 66’s electrification plans that unlock new customer relationships with EV drivers,” said Arcady Sosinov, founder and CEO of FreeWire. “As charging demand continues to surge, our battery-integrated chargers offer the streamlined, shovel-ready solution that many entering the EV charging space are looking for.”
FreeWire’s Boost Charger offers an alternative to costly and time-intensive upgrades to electrical grid and power infrastructure of an individual site. It connects to existing infrastructure without burdensome construction costs and permitting restraints.
“We like battery-enabled chargers for many reasons. They reduce operational costs by charging up the battery when power is cheaper but still provide capacity to give customers a rapid charge,” said Lou Burke, manager of branded sales at Phillips 66. “These types of chargers require minimal electrical infrastructure investment, significantly reducing permitting and time to value.”
FreeWire recently launched its new global headquarters, research-and-development and manufacturing facility in Newark, Calif. The company’s new 66,000-square-foot facility aims to accelerate the development and introduction of ultrafast charging and energy storage solutions.
“We see this as the first of many exciting announcements to come in the fuel delivery space,” said Sosinov. “We’re tremendously thankful to the Phillips 66 team for trusting in our technology and execution as they make this important step toward electrification.”
Houston-based Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of midstream, chemicals, refining and marketing and specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Using a network of branded marketers and dealers, its U.S. marketing business supplies gasoline under the Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco brands.
Founded in 2014 and based in San Leandro, Calif., FreeWire Technologies is a manufacturer of battery-integrated EV charging stations and power solutions. The company’s Boost Charger plugs into existing and ubiquitous low-voltage utility service and delivers high-power charging in areas that typically require extensive grid upgrades. The Boost Charger’s combination of proprietary battery and power conversion technology enables ultrafast EV charging at all locations.
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