SAN JUAN – Velocicharge, a leader in the electric mobility revolution in Puerto Rico, proudly announces a significant expansion of its electric vehicle charging station network across the island. This expansion is made possible through an agreement to install charging stations at Plaza Las Americas, Plaza del Caribe, Plaza Rio Hondo, and Centrico, in partnership with Visotek, the official distributor and installer of ABB charging solutions in Puerto Rico. With this expansion, Velocicharge elevates the electric vehicle charging infrastructure to a new level.
“At a time when sustainable mobility is on the rise, the demand for reliable and accessible charging stations has become imperative. Velocicharge is committed to leading this change and transforming the way Puerto Ricans commute. By strategically adding charging stations in key locations, we are bringing the convenience of electric vehicle charging closer to more people than ever before,” said Carlos Vizcarrondo, Owner and CEO of Visotek & Velocicharge.
The new locations will be constructed progressively, starting in October and continuing until January 2024. These new locations will feature ABB TERRA 54 level 3 chargers with 50KW capacity.
Plaza Las Americas will feature 4 level 3 charging stations with up to 50KW capacity, located in the eastern area, near PF Chang’s and The Cheesecake Factory. Like other Velocicharge locations, consumers can charge their vehicles easily, reliably, and safely, with the convenience of strategically located stations. Plaza del Caribe will initially have 2 level 3 charging stations, located near the Macy’s entrance by Starbucks. This installation is configured to install up to 7 level 3 fast chargers as demand for electric vehicles on the island evolves. Both shopping centers’ stations will be backed by Velocicharge and Visotek’s software, operation, and expertise.
“This expansion directly responds to the needs and growth of the electric vehicle community in Puerto Rico. According to the latest industry reports, electric vehicle adoption is continually increasing, underscoring the importance of having a reliable charging network,” added Vizcarrondo.
“We are proud to partner with Velocicharge and Visotek to offer our customers an exceptional electric vehicle charging experience at Plaza Las Americas and Plaza del Caribe. This initiative encompasses multiple phases in both locations, where we will have multiple areas with chargers available. The project aligns perfectly with our vision of offering the most comprehensive service to our customers, adopting new technologies, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do,” said Edwin Tavarez, General Manager of Plaza Las Americas and Plaza del Caribe.
EXPANSION BEYOND SAN JUAN
In addition to Plaza del Caribe in Ponce, current and future electric vehicle owners will have charging stations in Bayamón and Guayama as well. At Plaza Río Hondo shopping center, 4 chargers will be installed, including two fast-charging level 3 chargers with 50KW capacity and two level 2 chargers with 7.7KW capacity. This expansion to Plaza Río Hondo was made possible through the trust between the management company, Velocicharge, and Visotek. Plaza del Norte in Hatillo, also managed by the same management company, was the first shopping center in Puerto Rico to have the most powerful charger to date, with a capacity of up to 120KW, offering a charging speed of approximately 30 minutes from 0% to 100%, depending on the battery size. Velocicharge established its third charging station at this Hatillo shopping center in July 2022.
“Our collaboration with Velocicharge and Visotek in our shopping centers enhances the value of the experience we offer to our customers. Now our visitors will enjoy exceptional electric vehicle charging service at Plaza Río Hondo and Plaza del Norte. This project aligns with our vision of innovation and customer service,” said Francis X. González, President of Curzon Puerto Rico.
For visitors in the southern area, the Céntrico shopping center in Guayama has taken a significant step in this emerging industry. “Plaza Guayama,” recently renamed “Céntrico,” has had a prominent presence for over three decades in the southeastern area of Puerto Rico. “The ability to evolve in tune with the demands of today’s and future consumers is key to providing convenience. The strategic alliance with Velocicharge & Visotek fills us with enthusiasm because we understand that the charging experience should be both simple and reliable. What better way to enjoy a shopping or relaxation session than doing it while your vehicle recharges?” commented Vimarie Brenes, Marketing Director of PG Management Corp, the property manager of Céntrico.
At Céntrico in Guayama, 4 chargers will be established, including one fast-charging level 3 charger with 50KW capacity and three level 2 chargers with 7.7KW capacity.
“This new expansion in multiple shopping centers is not only about charging vehicles but also about promoting sustainable mobility, customer convenience, and collaboration with the local economy. Visotek, with over 30 years of experience in the electrical industry and now as an official distributor and installer of ABB in Puerto Rico, and Velocicharge, as the leading operator of charging stations, are proud of this joint moment and will continue to lead the viability of electric vehicles in Puerto Rico,” said Antonio Soler, Director of Operations.
These new chargers will join the existing 16 across Plaza del Norte in Hatillo, Outlets 66 in Canóvanas, The Outlets at Montehiedra in San Juan, and Catalinas Mall in Caguas, bringing the total to over 30 chargers.
Velocicharge entered the electric vehicle industry in December 2021.
These charging stations will be realized through a $1.5 million investment provided by Velocicharge.
CUSTOMER DATA FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Convenience
- Consumers primarily want to do these three tasks while charging their vehicles:
- 45% Shopping
- 34% Entertainment (movies)
- 21% Eating (snacks)
Average Charging Cost
- In general, electric vehicle owners spend between $19 to $23 per charge. This varies greatly based on scenarios, mainly those who use solar panels to charge their vehicles at home and those who don’t have those facilities due to living in a condominium.
Charging Time
- At a public charging station, customers generally spend between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours and make the most of this time while doing other tasks.
Visits
- Velocicharge receives an average of 6,000 visits per month across its 4 current charging stations.
** Data based on Velocicharge sales reports and interviews.
NEW SOFTWARE, BETTER TOOLS
We are pleased to announce that starting September 27, we have carried out an exciting software update, transitioning from ChargeLab to our very own application: Velocicharge.
This transition is designed to provide a more intuitive, secure, and comprehensive charging experience. Some key advantages of this change include a new user interface, notifications when charging is complete, the ability to save favorite stations, leave feedback for the community, budget control, and new ways to start charging, whether by budget, time, or total charge (KWH). This application will be available in Spanish and English for Android and iOS.
“The application has been built on a programming platform that rigorously complies with global security and compatibility standards. This robust foundation ensures full compliance while proactively adapting to meet the changing needs of our customers and the demands of the industry, both now and in the future,” said Juan Alvarado, Director of Marketing.
“This update not only reflects our strong commitment to providing the most exceptional charging experience possible but also gives us additional tools to ensure the optimal use of charging stations. Furthermore, it will enable an automated advantage for any company looking to offer complimentary charging to electric vehicle drivers. Starting October 1, customers will be able to access digital coupons with money or discounts applicable to their charging sessions, provided by companies that choose to do so. This is an unprecedented opportunity for brands to further enhance their customer experience and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable mobility,” added Alvarado.
ALLIANCE WITH HYUNDAI PUERTO RICO
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Hyundai Puerto Rico, utilizing our new Velocicharge software and application. This is done through a special incentive for the purchase of Hyundai’s new models, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona EV.
“This incentive that we wish to offer is made possible through the infrastructure and management of public charging stations like those of Velocicharge. It reflects Hyundai Puerto Rico’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility and its desire to enhance the experience with its electric vehicle lineup. Now, customers wishing to purchase one of our models will receive a unique voucher, with an amount provided by Hyundai as an incentive, which they can configure automatically using Velocicharge’s new software to receive complimentary charging.
With this collaboration, Hyundai Puerto Rico not only promotes the adoption of electric vehicles on the island but also demonstrates its support for a high-quality and accessible charging network for all,” said Guillermo Rodríguez, Senior Marketing and Advertising Manager of Hyundai Puerto Rico.
This benefit will be managed directly with participating auto dealerships.
“We are delighted to be part of this initiative with a business partner like Hyundai. This trust is undoubtedly a bet to make electric transportation even more attractive and accessible in Puerto Rico,” added Alvarado.
For more information about the electric vehicle charging network and how we are transforming mobility on the island, visit www.velocicharge.com. 
About Velocicharge: Established in 2021, Velocicharge is the leading operator of fast electric vehicle charging stations in Puerto Rico. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by providing a reliable, convenient, and accessible charging network across the island.
About Visotek: Established in 1996, Visotek has offered industrial solutions for power, air conditioning, technology, and controls for over 30 years in Puerto Rico.
It is an authorized official distributor and installer of ABB electric vehicle charging solutions in Puerto Rico. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer service, Visotek has become a trusted partner in expanding the charging infrastructure on the island. www.visotekpr.com
