Oxford home to RaceTrac's first EV charging station

Oct. 10—OXFORD — One of the nation's largest travel fuel companies has chosen its travel center here to be the location of its first electric vehicle charger within its chain of 570 stores and charged its first EV on Thursday morning during a special celebration.

RaceTrac, headquartered in Atlanta, opened the Oxford location in 2021 and is one of eight travel centers now located in Alabama with two more planned to open this year in Huntsville and Muscle Shoals.

The Oxford charging station has one direct current fast charger with two Combined Charging System ports, standard for charging electric vehicles, located under a canopy like those over traditional gas pumps — something the company says differentiates it from most EV charging sites.

The 180-kW, dual connector charger will offer quick charging options for all battery electric vehicles in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Eva Rigamonti, RaceTrac's executive director of public policy, said choosing the Oxford location for the company's first EV station was a matter of "all the stars aligning."

"It's a great store with a remarkable layout and obviously located near some really important transportation routes," Rigamonti said. "Alabama Power also provided us with a very competitive EV charging rate."

A.J. Siccardi, president of Metroplex Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of RaceTrac, spoke to the gathering Thursday before plugging in the first vehicle to be charged at the Oxford location.

"I oversee all the fuel business and fuel products for RaceTrac which as of today now includes electric fuel," Siccardi said. "We have been providing convenience to drivers for 80 years. That's why RaceTrac is moving into the EV charging market to offer our customers more choices."

"If America's transportation infrastructure is going to support all drivers, then EV drivers need the same amenities that drivers of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles expect," he said.

State Sen. Keth Kelley, R-Anniston, thanked the company for choosing Oxford and being "a leader in this community."

"Whenever you hear about something new, you forget about what it takes to get there and you have some that are willing to step out and take the lead," Kelley said. "RaceTrac has done that chose to take a national lead right here in Oxford, setting an example for others to follow throughout the country."

Kelley also praised the company's community involvement and, on RaceTrac's behalf, presented $2,500 checks to Oxford High School principal Heath Harmon and Oxford Elementary School principal Kelly Williams for use at the schools over which they preside.

Staff Writer Brian Graves: 256-236-1551.